International Core Journal of Social Sciences
Nurses’ Communication and Psychosocial Care Competencies in Mental Health Management for Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Scoping Review
By Shuyao Dong.
Abstract
Objective
To map and synthesize the available evidence on nurses' communication competencies and psychosocial care competencies in mental health management for older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and multiple chronic conditions (MCC), and to identify gaps in competency frameworks, training interventions, and assessment tools.
Introduction
Older adults with T2DM and MCC experience disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, and diabetes-related distress. Nurses are positioned at the frontline of diabetes care but frequently report insufficient training and low self-efficacy in delivering psychosocial support. Despite increasing recognition of this competency gap, the scope and nature of nurses' communication and psychosocial care competencies in this specific clinical context have not been systematically mapped. Inclusion criteria: Studies involving registered or enrolled nurses caring for older adults aged ≥65 years with T2DM and at least one additional chronic condition; reporting communication competencies, psychosocial care competencies, mental health management, training interventions, or assessment tools. All study designs—quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and reviews—published between 2010 and 2026 were considered.