Role boundaries and scopes of practice : the interdisciplinary diabetes educator role

Numerous different types of health professionals can provide diabetes education. Historically the nursing profession has been preeminent in the field of diabetes education and is perceived to have a wider scope of practice than the allied health professions in this area of clinical practice. This thesis determines the nature of the role boundaries between diabetes educators of nurse and allied health background. Three research methods were employed: systematic literature review; documentary analysis and stakeholder interviews. Neo-Weberian theory provided the main analytical framework. This thesis illustrates strategies of occupational closure and exemplifies professional dominance in a horizontal direction.