Abstract
A growing number of families are dealing with diabetes in children, that places increased demand on the family. Advanced nurse practitioners (APN) are in a core position to support and empower families who are dealing with diabetes. The purpose of this study was to measure the benefits of a brief family therapeutic conversation (FAM-TC) intervention, offered by an APN, for parents of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. A quasi-experimental intervention study with one group pre- and-posttest design was conducted. Parents of children and adolescents with diabetes participated, who received health care service from an APN in pediatric outpatient clinic; 14 families (13 mothers, 11 fathers) got two sessions of therapeutic conversations focusing on emotional support and were offered education and professional advice. Data were collected from 2009–2010. The main findings indicated no significant difference for both parents in perceived family support after the brief FAM-TC intervention compared to before the intervention. However, when the parents response to the family support scale, were evaluated further, a significant difference was found on the mothers perception regarding having experienced the APN to draw forth their family strengths after the brief FAM-TC intervention, compared to before the intervention. APN can play a major role in offering families of children with type 1 diabetes educational and emotional support when managing diabetes on a daily basis. Further studies are however needed on the role APN have in diabetes education, family management and support.