| Sub-title | |
| Authors | A Serracino Inglott M Zarb Adami L M Azzopardi Marie-Claire Gatt |
| Abstract | Blood glucose self-monitoring is a means of achieving patient participation in the management of diabetes. The aim of the study was to assess the patients skills of performing blood glucose nmonitoring in insulin-dependent diabetics aged between 6 and 18 years. Written informed consent was obtained from the parents of 50 patients attending the Diabetes Day Clinic at St Lukes Hospital (mean age: 13 years, 25 females, 25 males). Each patient was presented with the Medisense blood glucose meter, Medisense blood glucose meter strips, alcohol pads, cotton wool and trash. Patients were asked to bring their personal finger pricker apparatus. The patients were asked to perform the blood glucose test. The investigator observed the procedure and used a skills assessment sheet to document the performance of the patient. The performance of blood glucose testing was divided into 11 steps out of which 3 were considered to be critical (handling of test strip, obtaining a blood sample, applying blood sample to test strip). A mean skill score of 70% was obtained (62%-73%). There was no significant difference in total skill performance related to age, gender or duration of diagnosis. Considering the three critical skills, 33 (66%) managed to handle the test strip correctly, 39 (78%) obtained a good blood sample and 30 (60%) applied the drops of blood to the test strip as specified by the blood glucose meter manual. Children suffering from diabetes have difficulty in performing critical tasks required for self-monitoring of blood glucose. Patient education on checking blood glucose self-monitoring techniques improves the technique and supports patient empowerment in the self-management of diabetes. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | Volume 15 (suppl) |
| Pages | - |
| Date | |
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| Key words | self-monitoring, diabetic patients, children |