Managing Type 1 Diabetes at School: An Integrative Review

Abstract

This integrative literature review examines research studies that describe the care of the student with type 1 diabetes at school and interventions to improve care. Participants of the studies include school nurses, counselors, staff, administrators, parents, and students with diabetes. The studies reviewed use a descriptive approach in examining care delivered with one study adding a qualitative approach for validation of results. The findings identified needed improvement in the following areas: communication, after-school support, education of staff and peers, school nurse availability, and lunch choices. The school nurse must advocate for the student with type 1 diabetes in each area of concern, especially in ensuring education of school staff who often provide care to these students.