Knowledge, competence, experience of healthcare practitioners using glucometers for patient care in Nigeria

Despite the widespread acceptability of glucometers as a blood glucose self-monitoring and point-of-care device, their usage is confronted with operational, technical, regulatory, and quality control concerns.

This study assessed knowledge, estimated competence, and measured experience of healthcare practitioners using glucometers for patient care in two states of Northern Nigeria.

This cross-sectional, descriptive study used a total population sampling strategy and self-completed questionnaires. A total of 768 questionnaires were distributed to hospitals in Jigawa and Kogi States, Nigeria, from December 2019 to April 2022. The questionnaire had three sections: collecting details about type of healthcare facility, sociodemographic characteristics and educational qualifications of participants, and assessment of knowledge, competence and practice. Data were analysed and results expressed as frequencies and percentages.

Overall, 570 questionnaires were filled and retrieved, giving a response rate of 74.2%. Most of the participants were male (312; 54.7%); female participants totalled 258 (45.3%). Most participants were aged < 50 years (25-40 years, 215 [37.7%]; 41-50 years, 246 [43.2%]). The majority of participants were Medical Laboratory Scientists (124, 21.8%]), Technicians (151, 26.5%), or Nurses (132, 23.2%). Most participants (284, 49.8%) reported having no formal training prior to first use of glucometers in patient care. Many participants (379, 66.5%) knew about glucometer calibrators; 235 (41.2%) did not know what specific purpose calibrators served.

This study found a lack of knowledge, competence and experience among healthcare practitioners, especially for hands-on use of glucometer calibrators and standard operating procedures for blood glucose testing using glucometers.

The study brings to fore the need for training and retraining of healthcare practitioners on the theoretical and practical skills required for operating glucometers. Periodic calibration of glucometers and provision of quality control materials should be incorporated into standard operating procedures at point-of-care testing workstations in health facilities.