The impact of seven-day working by a diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) team within an acute hospital trust
Published Date: 07th October 2020
Publication Authors: Michaels S, Bujawansa S, Hardy KJ, Cardwell J, Milne R, Strong AJ, Lee C, Smith R
Aim
Inpatient Diabetes Specialist Nurse Cover nationally is varied. Post a successful NHS England Transformation funding bid the aim was to provide greater support for ward areas, reduce error rates and increase satisfaction rates through the implementation of seven‐day working and an emergency advice line led by a diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) team.
Methods
The model of seven‐day working was introduced with a team consisting of a band 7 DSN and four band 6 DSN's who provide cover, Mon–Fri 08.00–20.00, Sat–Sun 08.00–16.00 on a rota basis. Shifts typically consist of a DSN working 08.00–16.00, 09.00–17.00 and 12.00–20.00, with one DSN covering a weekend shift. The introduction of a Diabetes Emergency Line 08.00–22.00 was also introduced alongside this once the team was established.
Results
Since the implementation of seven‐day working there has been a 62% year on year increase in the number of patients reviewed by a DSN (2018/19) with patients with a diabetes related admission typically seen within four hours of admission during shift hours. This has led to a reduction in Diabetes related Length of Stay (LOS) to 4.01 days and 93% of ward staff feeling more confident in managing diabetes and patients overall being satisfied with their inpatient diabetes care.
Conclusions
Increasing the input of DSN advice and cover has had a positive impact and has not only led to an increased satisfaction rate among patients and staff but has shown an improvement in diabetes related outcomes.
Michaels, S; Bujawansa,S; Hardy, K; Cardwell, J; Milne, R; Strong, AJ; Lee, C; Smith R. (2020). The impact of seven-day working by a diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) team within an acute hospital trust. Diabetic Medicine. 37 (S1), 133