title: A study of patient experience using a blood glucose meter with an in-built insulin dose calculator.
abstract: Accurate calculation and adjustment of insulin doses is integral to maintaining glycemic control in insulin treated patients. Difficulties with insulin dose calculations may lead to poor adherence to blood glucose monitoring and insulin treatment regimes, resulting in poor metabolic control. The main objective of this study was to evaluate ease of use and user preference of a high specification touch screen blood glucose meter, which has an in-built insulin calculator, compared to patients' usual method of testing blood glucose and deciding insulin doses. Patients with diabetes on a multiple daily injection insulin regime used the Test Meter without the insulin calculator and 1 of 3 comparator meters, each for a 7-day period. They then used the Test Meter with the in-built calculator for 10 days. Patients completed an ease of use questionnaire after each 7-day period, a preference questionnaire after the second 7-day period, and a questionnaire comparing the Test Meter with their usual method after the final 10-day period. Of 164 patients who completed the study, 76% stated a preference for the Test Meter as a diabetes management tool compared to their usual method. A small number of patients preferred familiar methods and/or calculating insulin doses themselves. The log book function of meters was important to most patients. The Test Meter system with in-built insulin calculator supports people to better manage their diabetes and increases their confidence. Patients have different needs and preferences which should be acknowledged and supported in a patient centered health service.
authors.affiliation: Royal Blackburn Hospital, Blackburn, UK Shenaz.Ramtoola@elht.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Shenaz
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ramtoola
authors.affiliation: Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Ashton-under-Lyne, UK.
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jude
authors.affiliation: Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK.
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.affiliation: Ayr Hospital, Ayr, UK.
authors.forename: Iqbal
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Malik
authors.affiliation: Ipswich Hospital, Ipswich, UK.
authors.forename: Gerrard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rayman
authors.affiliation: University of Salford Diabetes Centre, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Cuong
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dang
authors.affiliation: Greenwood Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: Graham David
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: RossMartin
authors.affiliation: Royal Blackburn Hospital, Blackburn, UK.
authors.forename: Amar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ali
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin
keywords: blood glucose meter; bolus calculator; diabetes; insulin