Exploring the Role of Primary Care Nurses in Dietary Management for Migrants With Diabetes: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Aim(s)

To explore how primary care practitioners, including nurses, provide dietary diabetes management to migrants.

Design

The scoping review followed, a refined and structured methodological framework and adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review guidelines.

Methods and Data Sources

Searches were conducted across CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus databases to identify studies published between 2000 and 2024 that focus on dietary diabetes care for migrants in Primary Health Care settings. Data were synthesised using thematic analysis.

Results

The search identified 377 studies, with 30 meeting the inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed four themes: (1) cultural influences on diabetes management, (2) culturally tailored dietary interventions, (3) communication challenges and (4) access and availability of diabetes care.

Conclusion

Culturally competent primary care practices are crucial for effective diabetes dietary management for migrants, as they can enhance patient engagement, adherence, and overall health outcomes. Primary care nurses are uniquely positioned to address the barriers experienced by migrant populations through tailored care delivery.

Implications for Patient Care

The findings provide actionable guidance for nurses to implement targeted and culturally responsive approaches in delivering dietary diabetes management, aiming to improve patient adherence and health outcomes among migrants.

Impact

This review identified significant literature gaps in how primary care nurses provide culturally responsive dietary guidance for migrant patients with diabetes. The four themes identified have emphasised the need for culturally preserving care to enhance patient engagement and adherence to clinical guidance. The findings will directly impact nursing practice, education, and clinical guidelines globally, enabling nurses to deliver more effective and culturally responsive diabetes care that improves diabetes-related disparities among migrants globally.

Reporting Method

The review adhered to PRISMA-Sc guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution. This review received no funding from public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.