Diabetes specialist nursing in the UK: the judgement call? A review of existing literature

Abstract

The role of the diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) has evolved since its inception over 70 years ago. Now, 1363 DSNs work in the UK, in various health care settings. The need to work within a culture of evidence‐based practice and clinical and cost effectiveness, along with a perceived lack of evidence within diabetes specialist nursing, has prompted investigation into the role and efficacy of UK‐based DSNs.This review discusses the workforce demographics of DSNs employed in the UK, the evolving specialist nurse role and the clinical and cost effectiveness of specialist nursing. The DSNs' roles and workforce issues were assessed using existing surveys and reports. Clinical and cost effectiveness of DSNs were explored using a systematic literature review. This article is based on the Janet Kinson Lecture given at the 2010 Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference in Liverpool, which gave an overview of specialist nursing, current literature supporting DSN practice and insights into challenges facing the profession in the current NHS culture of efficiency savings. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons.