The effects of home monitoring by public health nurse on individuals' diabetes control☆

Abstract 

Diabetes is an important health problem that changes the lifestyle of individuals. The ability of individuals to control their disease is directly related to their adaptation to the disease and self-care. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of home monitoring of individuals with diabetes for the purpose of developing their self-care and their adaptation to diabetes. The research used a quasi-experimental (time series) design study. A convenient sample of 34 patients receiving outpatient diabetes care at Hacettepe University Adult Hospital Endocrinology Clinic participated in the study on a voluntary basis. After being seen for the first time in the clinic, they were followed up for a 6-month period in their homes. At the end of the home monitoring period, these patients with diabetes had a statistically significant decrease in HbA_1c (glycated hemoglobin; p = .000), fasting blood glucose (p = .001), postmeal blood glucose (p = .000), and systolic blood pressure (p = .007) measurements. Diabetes is a quite frequently seen chronic and progressive disease. Nursing monitoring is important to develop an individual's skills in self-care and to support compliance to diabetes. This study supports the finding that the home monitoring of individuals with diabetes by community health nurse improves diabetic control. It is recommended that individuals with diabetes be monitored not only in the hospital but also in their homes for a comprehensive evaluation.