Management experiences and challenges of insulin use by nurses in community-based elderly care institutions: a qualitative study
10.3760/cma.j.cn114798-20250128-00066
- VernacularTitle:社区养老机构护士胰岛素应用管理经验与挑战的定性研究
- Author:
Jieting FAN
1
;
Yanqiu ZHU
;
Xiaohui NING
;
Yun'e LIU
;
Mi YAO
Author Information
1. 火箭军特色医学中心内分泌风湿免疫科，北京100088
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus;
Nurses;
Community-based elderly care institutions;
Insulin use;
Qualitative research
- From:
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners
2025;24(8):970-977
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To analyze the practical experiences and challenges faced by nurses in community-based elderly care institutions in the management of insulin therapy for elderly patients with diabetes.Methods:This qualitative study employed purpose sampling to recruit nurses from two community-based elderly care institutions in Beijing from June to October 2023. Semi-structured interviews were conducted focusing on their experiences and challenges in insulin use for elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed into text. Framework analysis was used to analyze the interview data.Results:A total of 15 nurses participated in the interviews, all of whom were female with work experience ranging from 4 to 12 years. The analysis revealed three main themes and 2-3 subthemes under each theme. Theme 1 patients′ experiences with insulin injection: concerns about adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia, obesity, and injection pain; attention to insulin dosage, blood glucose levels, dietary management, and weight control. Theme 2 nurses′ practices and challenges in insulin management: communication and emotional support; trust-building between nurses and elderly patients; impact of insufficient human resources. Theme 3 nurses′ experiences with diabetes knowledge education and training: motivation for training; adaptation of training content, format and frequency to local conditions; implementation and significance of health education.Conclusions:The management of elderly people with diabetes in community-based elderly care institutions presents significant challenges. It is essential to provide personalized insulin management support, emotional support, and psychological counseling for elderly diabetic patients. Additionally, nurses require access to relevant diabetes knowledge education and training to enhance their ability of effective care.
