Outcomes of a diabetes education program for registered nurses caring for individuals with diabetes.

BACKGROUND Nurses from various setting lack sufficient knowledge about diabetes and diabetes management. Better understand of evidence-based practices by nurses who are involved in caring for hospitalized individuals with diabetes can positively influence care outcomes. METHOD A pretest design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a diabetes education program for RNs working voluntarily participated. A 1-day education program was developed and delivered to the participating nurses. Knowledge regarding diabetes was tested before and after the education program. RESULTS a significant difference was noted in the modified diabetes basic knowledge mean test scores before and after implementation of the education program (t[128] = 17.95, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The diabetes education program had a positive on nurses' knowledge. This finding has implications for developing diabetes education content within nursing curricula, as well as continuing education courses for practicing nurses.