The workload of the diabetes specialist nurse workforce in the UK

It is estimated that there are over 3.8 million people in the UK who have diabetes. Access to a specialist nurse service improves patient experience and outcomes. In this study, specific workload and service data were collected from 243 diabetes specialist nurses who completed a questionnaire to collect information on demographics and activity. Data were received from all of the UK nations. Overall, 54.1% of respondents had been specialist nurses in the field for 10 years or longer. Unpaid overtime was regularly carried out by 86.1% of respondents. Access to education and training, workload, time for service development, lack of administrative assistance and lack of psychological services were identified as barriers to service provision. This study illustrates the workload and productivity of the diabetes specialist nursing workforce in the UK and demonstrates areas that may require attention and further study. These data could be used to inform workforce modelling in the future.