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Diabetes nurse-champion program may be new model for bedside care
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As the incidence of diabetes continues to grow, the demand for certified diabetes educators does, too. However, according to diabetes educators, the demands are not being met.
According to Donna L. Jornsay, CPNP, RN, CDE, a diabetes educator at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y., there are only 600 CDEs located in New York State, with an average age of 53 years, 68% of whom work less than 25 hours per week.
She said only 10% to 14% of patients receive formal diabetes education, and there is a poor transition to outpatient care.
“Roughly 20% of people without diabetes will actually end up admitted from their ER visit. If you have diabetes, you have a 60% chance of getting admitted. We are seeing an increased volume of our patients across the country with diabetes admitted for whatever reason, and very frequently, diabetes is not the reason, it’s a comorbidity,” Jornsay said. She added that, “reimbursement moving forward, as of January 2013, is going to be directly linked to our 30-day readmission rates.”
Donna L. Jornsay
The patient-specific approach to inpatient diabetes education is aimed at increasing the knowledge of bedside RNs, improving inpatient care, and increasing the number of patients receiving some sort of diabetes education. Jornsay and colleague Nataliya Shaforost, MSN, RN, FNP, a diabetes clinical specialist at Forest Hills Hospital, part of the Long Island Jewish Health System, said the model is also useful in preventing adverse events while promoting team work among the health care staff.
Jornsay and Shaforost looked at six groups of patients affected by diabetes: prediabetes or one at high risk; newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes; poorly controlled type 2 diabetes; reasonably controlled type 2 diabetes; patients unable to conduct self-care; and patients needing more intensive education and/or assessment.
Each group has a specific regimen for treatment and education. The goal is to decrease hospital admissions and dangerous adverse outcomes among those with the disease.
References:
- Jornsay DL. #T01. Presented at: The American Association of Diabetes Educators 2012 Annual Meeting & Exhibition. August 1-4; Indianapolis, IN.
Disclosure:
- Jornsay and Shaforost report no relevant financial disclosures.