Growing up with type 1 diabetes: A photo elicitation of memory

5^th International Conference on Family Nursing

June 13-15, 2016 Philadelphia, USA

Donna Fraysier

King Univeristy, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

This presentation will discuss the findings of a scholarly project that was completed as a requirement for completion of Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, USA. The aim of this project was to learn from the live experiences of those who were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during their childhood. A photo elicitation design was utilized for this process. Participants were chosen from the Endocrinology Clinic at Holston Medical Group in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. They were asked to take photographs that illustrated memories of their experiences growing up with type 1 diabetes. The number of photographs taken was left to the discretion of each individual participant. Interviews with each participant were conducted utilizing prepared open-ended questions. Some common themes that emerged are: the perception of a life changing experience; lack of understanding from school staff and coaches; feeling different from friends; embarrassment; no plan or structure during the transition period; belief that education focused more on the negatives; and thoughts that diabetes education tells you what to do, but not how to do it. The information obtained from this project supports the need of education for all individuals who are involved in the life of a child with type 1 diabetes. It also supports the notion that education for children with type 1 diabetes and their parents should be ongoing instead of a one-time event. This project is limited due to the small amount of participants. Further research is needed to help providers who give patient centered care to this population.

Biography :

Donna Fraysier is an Advanced Practice Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator. In 2007, she graduated with Master’s of Science in Nursing from King University. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree in 2013 at Union University. Presently, she is employed as Assistant Professor of Nursing at King University in Bristol, Tennessee. She serves in the Board of Directors for the Epsilon Sigma Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Diabetes management and education is her passion. Her particular interest is exploring innovative options for providing diabetes education to the pediatric population.

Email: dcfraysier@king.edu