Are School Nurses Using the Recommendations of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial in the Care of Students with Diabetes?

Abstract

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. It is listed as a disabling condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and therefore accommodations must be made for these children in school. School nurses are responsible for large numbers of children, usually in more than one setting. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial examined intensive therapy and its effects on the long-term morbidity and quality of life of diabetic adolescents. A number of recommendations were made that apply to school nurses. The purpose of this article is to determine if any studies have been conducted to explore whether school nurses are using the results of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial to write individualized healthcare plans defining the care of students with diabetes.