Family Nursing

Biography

Biography: Donna Fraysier

Abstract

This presentation will discuss the findings of a scholarly project that was completed as a requirement for completion of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. The aim of this project was to learn from the lived experiences of those who were diagnosed with type 1diabetes as children. A photo elicitation design was utilized. Participants were chosen from the endocrinology clinic at Holston Medical Group in Kingsport, Tennessee. 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 for 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 give patient centered care to this population