Abstract:

Objective: To analyze the implementation status of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nursing protocols for type 2 diabetes mellitus. 

Methods: Totally 420 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were given TCM nursing protocols by syndrome differentiation. A quantitative and qualitative investigation was conducted to patients who received TCM nursing and nurses who performed TCM nursing techniques.

Results: According to the self-evaluation outcomes of patients, TCM nursing protocols were effective to relieve polydipsia, polyuria, fatigue and other symptoms. Patients exhibited a high level of compliance with nursing techniques such as auricular point pressing, acupoint massage, Chinese herbal foot-bath and moxibustion. The interview showed that patients could benefit from the TCM nursing protocols, and nurses considered that application of TCM nursing protocols could enhance their awareness of TCM knowledge and practice skills. 

Conclusion: The application of TCM nursing protocols is effective to relieve clinical symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can also improve the knowledge level and practice skills of nurses in TCM hospitals.

Key words: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Traditional Chinese medicine nursing, Auricular point pressing, Acupoint massage, Chinese herbal foot bath, Syndrome differentiation