Effectiveness of an educational program on nurses' oral management practices for patients with diabetes: A pilot study

Abstract

Nurses require assistance to practice oral management of patients with diabetes. This study aimed to identify the effect and utilization of an educational program on nurses’ ability to perform oral assessments in patients with diabetes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three nurses engaged in diabetes care to identify the effects and utilization of the educational program, and the data obtained from the interviews were examined using content analysis. Five categories were identified: 1) nurses began to observe the patient's oral cavity, 2) nurses could use the learning contents to collaborate with dentistry and explain procedures to certified diabetes nurse educators (CDNEs) in the facility and create an oral checklist and poster, 3) nurses were inspired to start oral management, 4) nurses started oral management with multidisciplinary cooperation in the facility, and 5) and nurses recognized the scope of oral management that nurses could perform in diabetes outpatient departments. This program is expected to support nurses in practicing patient education regarding oral management of patients with diabetes.