Introduction
Despite numerous efforts of healthcare professionals and recent advances in medical technology, many problems stand in the way of improving patient outcomes. One such problem is the growing number of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thus, Taïeb et al. (2022) indicated that the incidence of diagnosed diabetes is expected to grow “from about 8 cases per 1,000 in 2008 to about 15 in 2050” (p. 2). This writing aims to review two quantitative studies that contribute to addressing the issue.
The following PICOT question is posed in this paper: In older adults with type 2 diabetes in an acute care setting (P), does a multidisciplinary team approach (I), compared to standard nursing care (C), improve glucose management and result in fewer hypoglycemic episodes (O) within three months (T)? Thus, one of the articles refers to the concept of informed self-care as a part of a multidisciplinary team approach, and the other explores how comprehensive care methods are an effective way to help persons with diabetes.
Background of Studies
This section is devoted to summarizing the two articles. Luciani et al. (2019) addressed a problem in their report: a lack of understanding of the self-care experiences and concerns of persons with diabetes. Focusing on this problem is significant to nursing because solving it will allow us to enhance the outcomes of such patients and develop a comprehensive approach. Luciani et al. (2019) investigate how such patients manage their self-care practices. Their key quantitative objective is to determine associations between self-care management, maintenance, and monitoring and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in adult persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus after a year of follow-up.
Next, the other study’s problem and objectives are similarly effective and beneficial to the nursing practice. Thus, the purpose of Taïeb et al. (2022) is to “determine if the interdisciplinary approach applied on a short hospitalization is of benefit in patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus” (p. 2). The authors address some providers’ concerns regarding such an approach, and their findings prove its efficacy and positive contributions, which allow for enhancing nursing practice.
Supporting the Selected Nursing Practice Problem
The value of these two articles cannot be overestimated because both can help answer this paper’s PICOT question. The latter concerns the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary team approach when improving the outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thus, Taïeb et al. (2022) answer this question directly by stating that interdisciplinary therapeutic and educational methods and a short hospitalization protocol can decrease HbA1c.
At the same time, Luciani et al. (2019) are concerned with identifying the importance of self-care, an integral part of a comprehensive approach to managing diabetes. Therefore, both articles can be used to positively answer the PICOT question, with an additional focus on patient self-regulation practices, increased awareness, and education (Luciani et al., 2019; Taïeb et al., 2022). In the current research, the population is older adults with type 2 diabetes, and the interventions compared are a multidisciplinary team approach and standard nursing care. Luciani et al. (2019) will recruit participants older than 18, and the study by Taïeb et al. (2022) mainly included patients aged approximately 44 to 76.
Method of Studies
Next, this section aims to explore the research methods selected by the authors and outline how these methods are strong or weak. The research by Luciani et al. (2019) uses a mixed-method embedded design, including an interpretive description and a prospective observational design. The latter is also a method selected by Taïeb et al. (2022). In the case of the former research, it is rather efficient to apply a mixed method because findings from one can be used to verify the results of the other.
However, more expertise is required for data collection and analysis. Luciani et al. (2019) refer to validated questionnaires to collect quantitative data. The interpretive description greatly fits the nursing practice issues. Still, it might be limited by the number of resources needed for the methodology. Lastly, the prospective observational design allows for collecting specific data and is usually more complete. Simultaneously, the fact that it requires a long follow-up period might be considered a weakness of this method.
Results of Studies
The results of the research papers are rather beneficial and informative. Firstly, Taïeb et al. (2022) managed to lower the HbA1c in their participants through an interdisciplinary approach, and their “significant mean decrease was of -1.73% after twelve months’ follow-up” (p. 4). The authors also found that training and increasing awareness of patients diagnosed with diabetes are vital components of a comprehensive approach. These results should affect the nursing practice in a way that finally recognizes the value of a multidisciplinary team method.
The report by Luciani et al. (2019) does not contain any results yet, but it is expected that their study will prove that self-care practices have to be encouraged among persons with diabetes. If they can manage their medication intake and conditions, a successful multidisciplinary approach can be implemented to improve clinical practice and outcomes.
Ethical Considerations
When conducting research, it is vital to pay increased attention to ethics to keep the participants safe and ensure the findings are credible and unbiased. One essential ethical consideration refers to considering the age of the selected participants and avoiding working with children unless the study particularly requires this (Hasan et al., 2021). In the papers by Taïeb et al. (2022) and Luciani et al. (2019), it is stated that recruited participants are aged approximately 44 to 76 or older than 18, respectively.
The next crucial consideration is for the researchers to ensure that people taking part in their studies know what is expected from them and agree to all envisaged interventions. Thus, Taïeb et al. (2022) clearly mention that informed consent was received from all their participants. Luciani et al. (2019) indicate that they will consider this matter. Lastly, participants’ personal data are protected to avoid issues or breaches.
Conclusion
To conclude, one might admit that these two articles contribute greatly to responding to the PICOT question posed in this paper. The research by Luciani et al. (2019) states that increased and informed self-care concepts and practices among patients with type 2 diabetes are expected to result in better glycemic control. Therefore, education on the most efficient self-management tools should be included in a multidisciplinary team approach.
Further, Taïeb et al. (2022) prove the overall value of addressing diabetes comprehensively to lower HbA1c. The former study uses a mixed method, including the prospective observational design, which is also utilized by Taïeb et al. (2022). Ethics is considered in both papers, and it might be expected that the nursing practice gains valuable insights from these studies to enhance patient outcomes.
References
Hasan, N., Rana, R. U., Chowdhury, S., Dola, A. J., & Rony, M. K. K. (2021). Ethical considerations in research. Journal of Nursing Research, Patient Safety and Practise, 1(1), 1-4. Web.
Luciani, M., Fabrizi, D., Rebora, P., Rossi, E., Mauro, S. D., Malone, S. K., & Ausili, D. (2019). Self-care in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus – research protocol of a multicenter mixed methods study (SCUDO). Professioni Infermieristiche, 72(3), 203–212. Web.
Taïeb, A., Gaëlle, L., Roxane, D., Perrine, W., Marion, A., Fleur, B., Zoé, L., Aurélie, L., Solen, D., Patricia, D., & Véronique, A. (2022). The efficiency of a multidisciplinary team care approach through a short hospitalization of patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus: A 12-month prospective monocentric study. The Pan African Medical Journal, 41(192). Web.