An Individualized Digital Educational Product for Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes

Introduction: Worldwide the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is increasing creating a need for more insulin injection education. Without proper education adverse effects associated with DM may occur. Methods: A literature review was conducted examining the importance of education on the technique of insulin injection in adult patients with DM. Following completion of the literature review and synthesis an educational product was developed based on themes highlighted from research. The educational product can be downloaded and utilized by patients with healthcare providers or independently. Results: Studies showed that for correct insulin injection education reinforcement is essential; however, studies utilized different forms of patient education. None of the studies evaluated the impact of combining several different types of education for insulin injection education. The studies examined also frequently utilized different healthcare professionals and ineffectively utilized bedside nurses who are in a unique position to provide reeducation. The literature analysis demonstrated the importance of the following topics for patient education: 1) health information and educational needs in patients with DM include disease information, such as symptoms, adverse effects, and treatment; and 2) insulin injection, such as injection site rotation, injection technique, and correct medication usage. The educational product incorporated different learning styles to maximize potential by incorporating text, pictures, and instructional videos. Conclusion: This educational product is based on solid literature analysis that allows for varying patient needs, abilities, and learning styles among patients with DM. This study contributes to the reeducation of patients with DM through the development of a pamphlet for continuous patient education.