Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Access Control

Open Access

Degree Program

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Degree Track

Family Nurse Practioner

Year Degree Awarded

2017

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/10405811

Month Degree Awarded

May

Keywords

Diabetic ketoacidosis, Insulin pump therapy, Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Peer support (focused group discussions).

Advisor

Edith (Emma) Dundon

DNP Project Chair

Edith (Emma) Dundon

DNP Project Member Name

Jean DeMartinis

DNP Project Outside Member Name

Karen T Turmel

Abstract

Background: The rate of hyperglycemia in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who use insulin pump therapy is three times higher than in those using multi-dose insulin. Current literature suggests that the causes of the increased hyperglycemia rate are insufficient patient education, missed insulin boluses for meals/snacks, pump malfunction, psychological effects, pubertal physiological changes, and adolescents’ risky behavior.

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to reduce the rate of hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis in adolescents age 12–18 with T1DM on insulin pump therapy through evidence-based interventions.

Methods: Participants were recruited from four western Massachusetts public schools. Innovative diabetes self-care education and peer group support were used. Educational sessions and peer group knowledge discussions occurred once a week from January 10, 2017 to March 14, 2017.

Results: Findings indicated that the evidence-based educational program was effective in improving self-care skills in adolescents with T1DM on the insulin pump. The outcome showed that when knowledge of self-care management improved, the complications of TIDM such as hyperglycemia and DKA decreased.

Conclusion: A multifactorial approach integrated with psychosocial support will promote self-care activities and reduce the short- and long-term complications of T1DM in adolescents.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License

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