Rintala Tuula-Maria
Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus is complex and requires knowledge and skills on the healthcare providers. Nurses are in an ideal position to prevent type 2, both in hospital and community settings. Therefore it is important to increase both awareness and competency in preventing type 2 diabetes already during nursing studies.
The aim of this study was to describe what nursing students can learn by exploring the content of Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Form. The data was collected by analyzing nursing students’ learning discussions. Qualitative content analysis was conducted.
According to the result, exploring the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Form was a useful way to learn type 2 diabetes risk factors and main issues of prevention of type 2 diabetes. Nursing students learned what those risk factors are and they started to innovate solutions what they can do when working as a nurse in an inpatient ward. They understood those risk factors are lifestyle habits and the active counselling for lifestyle changes is what every nurse can do for preventing type 2 diabetes.
The information gained through this study is valuable for developing the nursing education connected with the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
