Healthcare Assistants Lack the Knowledge

Published Date: 19th July 2016

Publication Authors: , Cardwell J, Hardy KJ, O'Brien S

​

Aim:  Much healthcare for people with diabetes is delivered by healthcare assistants (HCAs). We interviewed inpatients with diabetes following discharge from hospital and they raised concerns about HCAs’ understanding of diabetes.Given the enhanced role of HCAs in recent years it is essential they know how to manage inpatients with diabetes. The aim of this study was to test knowledge of diabetes amongst HCAs to identify if this was adequate. 

Methods:  We developed a 23-item questionnaire to test knowledge of blood glucose monitoring, hypo treatment and diet and tested it for face and content validity. A random, convenience sample of HCAs agreed to anonymously complete the questionnaire. 

Results:  Forty-six HCAs completed the questionnaire. Mean total score was 11/23; 87% (40/46) knew it was important to QA the blood glucose meter but only 41% (19/46) knew the appropriate time to check glucose; 93% (43/46) did not know the target range for glucose readings, 80% (37/46) answered incorrectly regarding timing of insulin and tablets with food, 83% (38/46) were inaccurate about initial hypo treatment and 74% (34/46) answered incorrectly about food choices for people with diabetes.

Conclusion:  Untrained nurses now deliver many aspects of basic care to inpatients with diabetes yet this study finds that they lack knowledge. Previous work has found knowledge of diabetes amongst general nurses to be inadequate and to require action; this study adds to this and demonstrates that it is essential that HCAs are also targeted if we are to improve the experience and management of inpatients with diabetes.

Ford, N; Cardwell, J; Hardy, KJ; O'Brien, SV. (2013).  Healthcare assistants lack the knowledge to deliver basic diabetes inpatient care . Diabetic Medicine. 30 (Supplement S1), 153

 

« Back