Academic Healthcare Professionals' Perceptions of Available Services for Students With Type 1 Diabetes at Higher Education Institutions

Carol Highsmith, Fayetteville State University

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions of academic healthcare professionals on available services for students with Type I diabetes at higher education institutions. A qualitative research design using a phenomenological approach and semi-structured interview questions was conducted with 17 academic healthcare professionals employed in student support service departments at higher education institutions. The interviews were conducted on Zoom was audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis by the researcher. The 17 participants served at four 4-year universities in Health & Wellness, Nursing, and Student Support Services. Of the (n=17), (n = 15) were female. Qualitative analysis revealed three recurring themes: (a) seamless developments and reformations, (b) creating a culture of support, inclusion, and engagement, and (c) collaborative interdepartmental communication. Type 1 diabetes is complex to manage in the college environment. Improved communication processes are a priority in supporting college diabetic students to engage campus resources for self-management and self-advocacy. Creating online systems for diabetic student identification and education may create a more seamless approach during the first year of transition from high school to college. Developing a global online tracking system increases awareness of the number of Type 1 diabetics on campus.

Subject Area

Educational leadership|Packaging

Recommended Citation

Highsmith, Carol, "Academic Healthcare Professionals' Perceptions of Available Services for Students With Type 1 Diabetes at Higher Education Institutions" (2021). ETD Collection for Fayetteville State University. AAI28943451.
https://digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu/dissertations/AAI28943451

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