Ensuring continuity of care for patients with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a common long-term condition that requires careful monitoring and management. Patients with long-term conditions are often transferred between healthcare settings, for example: during admission to hospital from the community; transfer between hospital wards or inpatient departments; discharge from hospital into the community; and possible readmission to hospital. During the healthcare pathway of a patient with diabetes, there are frequent opportunities for treatment errors or miscommunication to occur, particularly related to medicines such as insulin. Therefore, it is important for nurses to develop effective communication skills to provide continuity of care as patients with diabetes navigate the healthcare pathway. This article examines the potential transfer points in the patient's healthcare pathway and discusses how effective diabetes care can be maintained throughout these transitions.