Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
Access Control
Open Access
Embargo Period
7-8-2017
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Family Nurse Practioner
Year Degree Awarded
2017
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
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License