Predictors of nursing workload in the diabetes surveillance consultation: exploratory study

Background: The study of nursing workload is of interest because inadequate workload impacts the quality of care, patient satisfaction, professional health, and organizational outcomes. Objective: To identify predictors of nursing workload in the diabetes surveillance consultation. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a quantitative approach. A sample of 242 people diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and 44 nurses was used. Data were collected through self-completion by the nurses who participated in the study. Results: The predictors of workload are distributed between care and non-care interventions. In the care domain, the assessing, monitoring, and educating interventions have the highest predictive value. The non-care interventions are care documentation and continuity of care procedures. The workload is reflected in the time spent carrying out the interventions, with a mean consultation time of 44.4 minutes. Conclusion: Care interventions have the highest predictive value for nursing workload, but the non-care domain should be considered.