Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with type 1 diabetes. Aim: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of using clinical pathway on outcomes of children with type one diabetes mellitus suffering from Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Subjects and method: A quasi experimental research design was utilized. The current study was conducted at Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and pediatric ward of Benha Specialized Pediatric Hospital and Benha University Hospital. Sample of 60 children (30 as the study group and 30 as the control group) who were admitted at PICU and pediatric ward with DKA were participated in the study. The following tools were utilized for data collection, questionnaire sheet, self care activity sheet, self care hygiene sheet, nutrition assessment sheet, Glasgow coma scale, dehydration level, diabetic follow up sheet and follow pathway design for the study group Results: The study revealed that there were statistically significant differences between diabetic children regarding DKA before and after implementation of a clinical pathway. Children in the study group had early improvement in DKA follow up sheet as well as reduced length of hospital stay than those in the control group. Conclusion: Clinical pathway was effective in improving children suffering from DKA and follow up among diabetic children. Recommendations: Clinical pathways of care of diabetic ketoacidosis should be applied for children with diabetic ketoacidosis and provision of training program for nurses about clinical pathway. |
