Implementation of a new intravenous insulin method on intermediate-care units in hospitalized patients.
Good blood glucose control in hospitalized adults leads to reduced mortality. Intravenous (IV) insulin has been shown to be an effective way to achieve tight control of blood glucose. Managing IV insulin is a labor-intensive task for nurses and is generally done in intensive care units with high nurse-to-patient ratios. In this 3-month study, intermediate-care general medicine units with a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1 to 5 or 6 were evaluated for effectiveness of monitoring IV insulin. The project, which relied on intensive in-service education, an audit tool, and continuous positive feedback for nurses, yielded positive results.
Davis
Ellen D
ED
The Department of Advanced Practice Nursing, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina (Ms Davis, Ms Harwood)
Harwood
Kerry
K
The Department of Advanced Practice Nursing, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina (Ms Davis, Ms Harwood)
Midgett
Lea
L
The General Medicine Unit, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina (Ms Midgett)
Mabrey
Melanie
M
The Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina (Ms Mabrey, Dr Lien)
Lien
Lillian F
LF
The Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina (Ms Mabrey, Dr Lien)
D000465:Algorithms; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007297:Inpatients; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007380:Intermediate Care Facilities
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin