Background: In 2011 Diabetes Nurse Educators (DNE’s) from two metropolitan hospitals reviewed an abstract by Corbin, A. et al1 that led to a similar study being conducted.   It considered recall of diabetes self-care behaviours; being the knowledge and tools to improve the quality of daily life.
Aim: To determine if diabetes self-care was recalled by hospital patients following discharge.
Method:  Inpatients taking insulin were contacted, discharge documentation collated, a questionnaire developed and telephone surveys conducted.  In 2012, 3 questions were added relating to contact with health professionals.
Results: The 2011 initial questionnaire comprised 30 questions with 33 in 2012. In 2011, DNE’s telephoned 29 (100%) patients within 28-30 days post discharge and re contacted 21 (100%) of this group 12 months later.   In both surveys, 48 % were Caucasian, most were secondary or tertiary educated, mostly male and duration of diabetes was poorly recalled.  There was an improvement of 35% in knowledge of hypoglycaemic BG levels with a marginal improvement of 7% in its treatment.   Of the remaining surveyed questions this table shows the significant comparative data.

NB. * Two (9.5%) ceased insulin
Conclusion: This study has shown demonstrated patient recall post discharge, with an increase in recalling the insulin name, receipt of NDSS card, nutritional advice, contact with health professionals and minor improvement in hypoglycaemic treatment. Highlighted from these results has been the importance of ongoing education review of diabetes self-care.