Role of nurses increasingly important
THE MONTH of November is recognised worldwide as Diabetes Month, and Diabetes Day is celebrated on November 14 each year. This year, Diabetes Month is focused on promoting the role of nurses in the prevention and management of diabetes under the theme: ‘The Nurse and Diabetes’.
In this the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased demand for nurses and midwives in all areas of the health service. Diabetic management is one such service in which the nurse or midwife, now more than ever, has a vital role to play. Persons living with diabetes and coping with their individual challenges are more fearful at this time as they are at a higher risk of the complications of COVID-19. The nurse or midwife is quite instrumental to assist these persons with his/her therapeutic touch, educational and psychological advice.
Diabetes is a serious noncommunicable disease affecting millions of people over the world. According to World Health Organization, 2020, one in 10 persons worldwide is living with diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation revealed in July 2020, that 226,500 or 11.7 per cent of 1.9 million adults are living with diabetes in Jamaica.
As the number of persons living with diabetes continues to rise across the world, the role of nurses and other health professional becomes increasingly important in managing the condition. The role of the diabetes nurse educator is more apparent and brings into sharp focus the need for more such nurses whose sole purpose is to provide support for people living with diabetes, as well as to promote initiatives for the prevention of this disease.
Nurses and midwives currently account for over half of the health workforce in Jamaica. They are generally trained in diabetes management and are centrally placed in the health-care facilities and the communities, providing care while empowering patients/clients with diabetes, to seriously take control of the management of their illness and to improve their health outcomes. However, the diabetes nurse educator is a specialist area were nurses are equipped with in-depth knowledge and skills to support persons living with diabetes and play a vital role in:
• The early detection of diabetes
• Providing care for persons living with diabetes
• Providing health education for the management of diabetes
• Collaborating with the physician to ensure provision of the best care
A limited number of nurses have received specialist training as diabetes educators. Plans are ongoing to increase training and expand the number these professionals across the country to ensure adequate and equitable coverage, so as to strengthen the support given to persons living with diabetes.
The non-communicable diseases (NCD) Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is aimed at reducing the burden of preventable morbidity and disability and avoidable premature mortality due to noncommunicable diseases and injuries by
25 per cent by 2025.
Nurses and Midwives are integral to the achievement of this goal and, as such, the Nursing and Midwifery Services Unit of the MOHW, pledges support for the NCD National Strategic Plan and will continue to collaborate with the Diabetes Association of Jamaica to raise the awareness of diabetes management in Jamaica.
As we celebrate World Diabetes Month, we congratulate all stakeholders who daily promote preventive strategies and utilise current information and technology while grappling with the complications of diabetes.
Be assured that nurses and midwives will continue to apply best practices, as together with the patient/client, families and the communities in general, we join forces in the prevention and management of diabetes in our country.