Differences in perceptions between healthcare professionals and caregivers when accepting patients on insulin therapy to elderly care facilities

Abstract

Aim: To clarify the problems with accepting patients on insulin therapy at elderly care facilities. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire on staff awareness of diabetes before accepting the first diabetic patient on insulin therapy at our elderly care facility. Once the patient was admitted, we held diabetes classes for staff based on their needs. Six months later, we conducted a questionnaire again to confirm the staff’s awareness concerning patients on insulin therapy. Results: In the initial questionnaire, nurses were negative about acceptance while caregivers were positive. Once the patient was admitted, staff struggled to deal with his frequent symptoms. A diabetes specialist held diabetes classes for staff to ensure the patient could enjoy a stable life. Gradually, the staff developed a better collaborative system and performed appropriate care. In the second questionnaire conducted six months later, there was a decrease in excessive optimistic opinions among caregivers. However, nurses still tended to be reluctant about acceptance while caregivers were positive, a trend similar to the initial evaluation. Conclusion: In this study, we noted differences in the perceptions of nurses and caregivers regarding the acceptance of patients on insulin therapy. Mitigating this difference is necessary to ensure the safety of patients. It is essential to institutionalize diabetes education in long-term care facilities, allow educated caregivers to measure blood glucose levels, select patients with treat­ment policies suitable for a given facility, ensure that doctors deliver accurate instructions, and maintain close communication to build a better medical care cooperation system.