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Measuring effectiveness: the paediatric diabetes specialist nurse role

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Evidence-based Child Health Care

Abstract

In Cardiff, a multidisciplinary team approach underpins paediatric diabetes care. In 1995, a new paediatric diabetes specialist nurse (PDSN) post was implemented, and was continuously evaluated to measure the impact of interventions introduced to meet expected outcomes. Data collected retrospectively for the 2 years preceding the PDSN appointment were measured against data collected contemporaneously over the first 4 years of the post. The findings demonstrated that collaborative teamwork with a substantial input from the PDSN resulted in:

  • the avoidance of hospitalisation for newly diagnosed children 0 a significantly reduced length of stay for hospitalised children 0 subsequent increased bed availability

  • improved clinic attendance

  • the introduction of innovative methods of education and support.

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Lowes, L. (2000). Measuring effectiveness: the paediatric diabetes specialist nurse role. In: Glasper, E.A., Ireland, L. (eds) Evidence-based Child Health Care. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-333-98239-6_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-333-98239-6_16

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-333-80230-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-333-98239-6

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