Evaluation of a paediatric diabetes specialist nurse post.

The specialist nurse caring for children with diabetes is widely recognized as a valued member of the paediatric diabetes team. However, there has been minimal exploration or examination of the clinical role of the paediatric diabetes specialist nurse (PDSN). This in-depth evaluation critically examines the impact of a PDSN post, comparing data from the first 2 years of the post against corresponding data from the previous 2 years. Results are encouraging, showing that much has been achieved. Home management was successfully introduced, length of stay was halved for newly diagnosed children initially hospitalized, suggested guidelines for length of stay for readmissions were met, age-banded education sessions were implemented and clinic non-attendance was substantially reduced. The readmission rate for children with established diabetes was increased, and reasons for this are discussed outlining intervention being introduced to proactively address this problem. The findings from this evaluation support the belief that PDSNs, as members of a multidisciplinary team, make a substantial and valuable contribution to paediatric diabetes care.