Introduction
As the prevalence of pediatric diabetes increases, managing the condition effectively across different institutional settings, particularly schools, becomes crucial. The study titled "Institutional role conflict in the digital age: The case of diabetes management at school" by Puckett et al. (2023) provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by youth with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in schools. This blog explores the implications of these findings for practitioners, encouraging them to enhance their skills and approach to supporting children with diabetes in educational settings.
Understanding Institutional Role Conflict
The research highlights the conflict between healthcare providers' recommendations and school rules, which complicates the enactment of both the "sick role" and the "student role." This conflict often leads to negative responses from teachers and peers, stigmatizing youth with T1D. The study uses focus groups with 19 youths to illustrate these dynamics, emphasizing the need for better alignment between healthcare and educational institutions.
Key Findings
- Healthcare providers' recommendations often conflict with school rules, making it challenging for students to manage their diabetes effectively.
- Students face stigma from peers and teachers due to the visibility and perceived disruption of diabetes management devices.
- Caregiver involvement can sometimes exacerbate conflicts rather than alleviate them.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can use these findings to improve outcomes for children with diabetes by:
- Advocating for better communication and collaboration between healthcare providers and educational institutions.
- Educating school personnel about diabetes management to reduce stigma and improve support for students.
- Encouraging the development of policies that accommodate the use of diabetes management technologies in schools.
Encouraging Further Research
This study opens avenues for further research into institutional role conflicts in other chronic illnesses managed in school settings. By exploring how different institutional logics can be better aligned, researchers can contribute to more effective health management strategies for children with chronic conditions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Institutional role conflict in the digital age: The case of diabetes management at school.
