Utilization of a multidisciplinary team for inpatient diabetes care.
Diabetes is often noted as a secondary diagnosis when patients are admitted to the hospital for care. Patients admitted to critical care areas are usually more ill and require aggressive glucose control. Often the education and self-care management skills needed for home management are overlooked until discharge, which can cause an increased length of stay. There is a feeling of frustration among nurses who are unable to adequately meet the needs of these patients and their families. In one community hospital setting, they have designed a model that identifies patient needs on admission and utilizes a multidisciplinary team. Beginning the "discharge" process early in the admission will ensure that a timely discharge with a well-trained patient will occur.
Pollom
Robyn K
RK
Diabetes Care Center, Community Health Network, 8501 E 56th St 130, Indianapolis, IN 46216, USA. rpollom@ecommunity.com
Pollom
R Daniel
RD
D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019091:Critical Pathways; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006801:Humans; D007196:Indiana; D009096:Multi-Institutional Systems / Q000458:organization & administration; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D024382:Professional Role