Insulin order sets improve glycemic control and processes of care.
OBJECTIVE
The study objective was to evaluate the impact of a standardized preprinted subcutaneous correctional insulin order set on glycemic control, processes of care, and nursing satisfaction.


METHODS
This was a controlled before/after, qualitative study using focus group interviews. The intervention group consisted of patients with diabetes who were admitted to the cardiovascular surgery ward. The control group consisted of patients with diabetes who were admitted to the vascular surgery ward. Registered nurses on the cardiovascular surgery floor participated in focus groups and completed surveys. We used a multifaceted intervention including standardized insulin order sheet, educational workshops, verbal and printed reminders, printed enabler, reference sheet, and overnight helpline. Glycemic control and hypoglycemia were assessed through chart review, and nursing satisfaction with the insulin order sets was assessed through surveys and nursing focus groups, performed before and 6 months after implementation of the insulin order set.


RESULTS
There was a 39% reduction in proportion of blood glucose>11.0 mmol/L (198 mg/dL) in the intervention group compared with the control group (0.17 vs 0.28, P=.03). The proportion of hypoglycemia (blood glucose<4.0 mmol/L [72 mg/dL]) was no different between the 2 groups. Nurse satisfaction increased significantly (P<.02); order sets were easy to use and improved glycemic control, processes, and efficiency of care, and reduced the number of pages between nursing and medical staff.


CONCLUSIONS
Standardized insulin order sets reduced hyperglycemia and improved nursing satisfaction and processes of care. Successful implementation required stakeholder engagement, identification of barriers and facilitators in local practice, and tailoring the intervention to target these factors.
Keenan Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. yuca@smh.ca
Catherine H Y
CH
Yu
Xing Hua
XH
Sun
Rosane
R
Nisenbaum
Henry
H
Halapy
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses; D036301:Qualitative Research; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin