Diabetes specialist nurses and role evolvement: a survey by Diabetes UK and ABCD of specialist diabetes services 2007

Aims To review the working practices of UK diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs), specific clinical roles, and to examine changes since 2000. Methods Postal questionnaires were sent to lead DSNs from all identifiable UK diabetes centres (n = 361). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected on the specific clinical roles, employment, and continual professional development of hospital and community DSNs, Nurse Consultants and Diabetes Healthcare Assistants. Results 159 centres (44%) returned questionnaires. 78% and 76% of DSNs plan and deliver education sessions compared with 13% in 2000 with a wider range of topics and with less input from medical staff. 22% of DSNs have a formal role in diabetes research compared with 48% in 2000. 49% of Hospital DSNs, 56% of Community DSNs and 66% of Nurse Consultants are involved in prescribing. 55% of DSNs carry out pump training, 72% participate in ante-natal and 27% renal clinics. 90%ofserviceshaveindependentdiabetesnurse-ledclinics.93%ofserviceshaveadedicatedPaediatricDSN.Themean numberofchildrenunderthecareofeachPDSNis109(mode120),whichexceedsRoyalCollegeofNursingrecommendations. 48%ofDSNshaveprotectedtimeforcontinuingprofessionaldevelopmentofstaffand15%haveaprotectedbudget.Onethird of DSNs are on short-term contracts funded by external sources. Conclusions The DSN role has evolved since 2000 to include complex service provision and responsibilities including specialistclinics, educationofhealthcareprofessionals andpatients.Thelack ofsubstantive contracts andprotected studyleave may compromise these roles in the future. Diabet. Med. 26, 560‐565 (2009)