Pharmacist Role in Providing Inpatient Diabetes Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Glycemic management of hospitalized patients remains a growing burden in organizations across the country. Attainment of well-established glycemic targets has shown improved clinical outcomes. Empowered glucose management interdisciplinary teams are critical in organizations attaining improved outcomes. Pharmacists possess diverse knowledge and skills that uniquely position them to take a leadership role in healthcare organizations' efforts to achieve safe and effective glycemic outcomes in hospitalized patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Various models of pharmacy care have demonstrated success in improving patient outcomes related to acute care glycemic management. The authors of this manuscript will summarize published data related to improved outcomes when pharmacists are utilized in a patient-directed intervention model. In addition, we will describe the implementation of pharmacy stewardship, delineating the role of the pharmacist in providing oversight and shaping institutions to promote optimal glycemic management on a macrolevel. Pharmacists have demonstrated the ability to aid institutions looking to improve acute glycemic management while serving effectively in various models of care across their respective organization.

Management of Hyperglycemia in Hospitalized Adult Patients in Non-Critical Care Settings: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

BACKGROUND

Adult patients with diabetes or newly recognized hyperglycemia account for over 30% of noncritically ill hospitalized patients. These patients are at increased risk for adverse clinical outcomes in the absence of defined approaches to glycemic management.

OBJECTIVE

To review and update the 2012 Management of Hyperglycemia in Hospitalized Patients in Non-Critical Care Settings: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline and to address emerging areas specific to the target population of noncritically ill hospitalized patients with diabetes or newly recognized or stress-induced hyperglycemia.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary panel of clinician experts, together with a patient representative and experts in systematic reviews and guideline development, identified and prioritized 10 clinical questions related to inpatient management of patients with diabetes and/or hyperglycemia. The systematic reviews queried electronic databases for studies relevant to the selected questions. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess the certainty of evidence and make recommendations.

RESULTS

The panel agreed on 10 frequently encountered areas specific to glycemic management in the hospital for which 15 recommendations were made. The guideline includes conditional recommendations for hospital use of emerging diabetes technologies including continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy; insulin regimens for prandial insulin dosing, glucocorticoid, and enteral nutrition-associated hyperglycemia; and use of noninsulin therapies. Recommendations were also made for issues relating to preoperative glycemic measures, appropriate use of correctional insulin, and diabetes self-management education in the hospital. A conditional recommendation was made against preoperative use of caloric beverages in patients with diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The recommendations are based on the consideration of important outcomes, practicality, feasibility, and patient values and preferences. These recommendations can be used to inform system improvement and clinical practice for this frequently encountered inpatient population.

A Systematic Review Supporting the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Hyperglycemia in Adults Hospitalized for Noncritical Illness or Undergoing Elective Surgical Procedures

CONTEXT

Individuals with diabetes or newly recognized hyperglycemia account for over 30% of noncritically ill hospitalized patients. Management of hyperglycemia in these patients is challenging.

OBJECTIVE

To support development of the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline for management of hyperglycemia in adults hospitalized for noncritical illness or undergoing elective surgical procedures.

METHODS

We searched several databases for studies addressing 10 questions provided by a guideline panel from the Endocrine Society. Meta-analysis was conducted when feasible. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

We included 94 studies reporting on 135 553 patients. Compared with capillary blood glucose, continuous glucose monitoring increased the number of patients identified with hypoglycemia and decreased mean daily blood glucose (BG) (very low certainty). Data on continuation of insulin pump therapy in hospitalized adults were sparse. In hospitalized patients receiving glucocorticoids, combination neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH) and basal-bolus insulin was associated with lower mean BG compared to basal-bolus insulin alone (very low certainty). Data on NPH insulin vs basal-bolus insulin in hospitalized adults receiving enteral nutrition were inconclusive. Inpatient diabetes education was associated with lower HbA1c at 3 and 6 months after discharge (moderate certainty) and reduced hospital readmissions (very low certainty). Preoperative HbA1c level < 7% was associated with shorter length of stay, lower postoperative BG and a lower number of neurological complications and infections, but a higher number of reoperations (very low certainty). Treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes and mild hyperglycemia was associated with lower frequency of hypoglycemic events than insulin therapy (low certainty). Caloric oral fluids before surgery in adults with diabetes undergoing surgical procedures did not affect outcomes (very low certainty). Counting carbohydrates for prandial insulin dosing did not affect outcomes (very low certainty). Compared with scheduled insulin (basal-bolus or basal insulin + correctional insulin), correctional insulin was associated with higher mean daily BG and fewer hypoglycemic events (low certainty).

CONCLUSION

The certainty of evidence supporting many hyperglycemia management decisions is low, emphasizing importance of shared decision-making and consideration of other decisional factors.

Patient Understanding of Discharge Instructions for Home Diabetes Self-Management and Risk for Hospital Readmission and Emergency Department Visits

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to examine the patient comprehension of diabetes self-management instructions provided at hospital discharge as an associated risk of readmission.

METHODS

Noncritically ill patients with diabetes completed patient comprehension questionnaires (PCQ) within 48 hours of discharge. PCQ scores were compared among patients with and without readmission or emergency department (ED) visits at 30 and 90 days. Glycemic measures 48 hours preceding discharge were investigated. Diabetes Early Readmission Risk Indicators (DERRIs) were calculated for each patient.

RESULTS

Of 128 patients who completed the PCQ, scores were similar among those with 30-day (n = 31) and 90-day (n = 54) readmission compared with no readmission (n = 72) (79.9 ± 14.4 vs 80.4 ± 15.6 vs 82.3 ± 16.4, respectively) or ED visits. Clarification of discharge information was provided for 47 patients. PCQ scores of 100% were achieved in 14% of those with and 86% without readmission at 30 days (P = .108). Of predischarge glycemic measures, glycemic variability was negatively associated with PCQ scores (P = .035). DERRIs were significantly higher among patients readmitted at 90 days but not 30 days.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate similar PCQ scores between patients with and those without readmission or ED visits despite the need for corrective information in many patients. Measures of glycemic variability were associated with PCQ scores but not readmission risk. This study validates DERRI as a predictor for readmission at 90 days.

Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome: review of acute decompensated diabetes in adult patients

Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS) are life threatening complications that occur in patients with diabetes. In addition to timely identification of the precipitating cause, the first step in acute management of these disorders includes aggressive administration of intravenous fluids with appropriate replacement of electrolytes (primarily potassium). In patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, this is always followed by administration of insulin, usually via an intravenous insulin infusion that is continued until resolution of ketonemia, but potentially via the subcutaneous route in mild cases. Careful monitoring by experienced physicians is needed during treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis and HHS. Common pitfalls in management include premature termination of intravenous insulin therapy and insufficient timing or dosing of subcutaneous insulin before discontinuation of intravenous insulin. This review covers recommendations for acute management of diabetic ketoacidosis and HHS, the complications associated with these disorders, and methods for preventing recurrence. It also discusses why many patients who present with these disorders are at high risk for hospital readmissions, early morbidity, and mortality well beyond the acute presentation.

ADDRESSING PITFALLS IN MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS WITH A STANDARDIZED PROTOCOL

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of a diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)-Power Plan (PP) for guiding intravenous (IV) insulin infusions prior to anion gap (AG) closure and administering subcutaneous (SC) insulin ≥1 hour before discontinuing IV insulin. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients with DKA before (pre-PP) (n = 60) and following (post-PP) (n = 60) implementation of a DKA-PP. Groups were compared for percentage of patients for whom IV insulin therapy was continued until AG closure, the percentage of patients receiving SC insulin ≥1 hour before discontinuation of IV insulin, and percentage of patients with rebound DKA during the index hospitalization. Results: Admission plasma glucose (514 mg/dL vs. 500 mg/dL; P = .36) and venous pH (7.2 vs. 7.2; P = .57) were similar in pre- and post-PP groups. Inappropriate discontinuation of IV insulin occurred less frequently in post-PP patients (28% vs. 7%; P = .007), with a lower frequency of rebound DKA (40% vs. 8%; P = .001) following acute management. More post-PP patients received SC insulin ≥1 hour before discontinuation of IV insulin (65% vs. 78%; P = .05). Conclusion: Implementation of a DKA-PP was associated with appropriate discontinuation of IV insulin in more patients, more frequent administration of SC insulin ≥1 hour prior to discontinuation of IV insulin, and fewer episodes of rebound DKA. Abbreviations: ADA = American Diabetes Association; AG = anion gap; BG = blood glucose; DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis; DKA-PP = DKA-Power Plan; ICU = intensive care unit; IQR = interquartile range; IV = intravenous; IVF = IV fluid; LOS = length of stay; SC = subcutaneous.

Practical Recommendations for Transitioning Patients with Type 2 Diabetes from Hospital to Home

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to provide practical evidence-based recommendations for transitioning hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) to home.

RECENT FINDINGS

Hospitalized patients who have newly diagnosed or poorly controlled T2DM require initiation or intensification of their outpatient diabetes regimen. Potential barriers to medication access and continuity of care should be identified early in the hospitalization. Throughout hospitalization, patients should receive diabetes education focused on basic survival skills and tailored to learning needs. Patients should leave the hospital with personalized discharge instructions that include a list of all medications and follow-up appointments with both the outpatient diabetes provider and a diabetes educator whenever possible. An approach to transitioning patients with T2DM from hospital to home that focuses on optimizing the patient's discharge diabetes regimen, anticipating patients' needs during the immediate post-discharge period, providing survival skills education, and ensuring continuation of diabetes care and education following hospital discharge has the potential to improve glycemic control and reduce emergency department visits and hospital readmissions.

Combination of a Flipped Classroom Format and a Virtual Patient Case to Enhance Active Learning in a Required Therapeutics Course

Objective. To design and evaluate the integration of a virtual patient activity in a required therapeutics course already using a flipped-classroom teaching format. Design. A narrative-branched, dynamic virtual-patient case was designed to replace the static written cases that students worked through during the class, which was dedicated to teaching the complications of liver disease. Students completed pre- and posttests before and after completing the virtual patient case. Examination scores were compared to those in the previous year. Assessment. Students' posttest scores were higher compared to pretest scores (33% vs 50%). Overall median examination scores were higher compared to the historical control group (70% vs 80%), as well as scores on questions assessing higher-level learning (67% vs 83%). A majority of students (68%) felt the virtual patient helped them apply knowledge gained in the pre-class video lecture. Students preferred this strategy to usual in-class activities (33%) or indicated it was of equal value (37%). Conclusion. The combination of a pre-class video lecture with an in-class virtual patient case is an effective active-learning strategy.

SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF A PERI-OPERATIVE PROTOCOL FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES TREATED WITH CONTINUOUS SUBCUTANEOUS INSULIN INFUSION WHO ARE ADMITTED FOR SAME-DAY SURGERY

OBJECTIVE

The number of people with diabetes using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions (CSII) with an insulin pump has risen dramatically, creating new challenges when these patients are admitted to the hospital for surgical or other procedures. There is limited literature guiding CSII use during surgical procedures.

METHODS

The study was carried out in a large, urban, tertiary care hospital. We enrolled 49 patients using insulin pump therapy presenting for 57 elective surgeries. We developed a CSII peri-operative glycemic management protocol (PGMP) to standardize insulin pump management in patients admitted to a same-day surgery unit (SDSU). The purpose was evaluate the safety (% capillary blood glucose (CBG) <70 mg/dL and/or pump incidents) and efficacy (first postoperative CBG ≤200 mg/dL) of the CSII PGMP. We determine the contribution of admission CBG, type of anesthesia, surgery length, and peri-operative steroid use on postoperative glycemic control.

RESULTS

Overall, 63% of patients treated according to the CSII PGMP had a first postoperative CBG ≤200 mg/dL. There were no episodes of intra- or postoperative hypoglycemia. For patients treated with the CSII PGMP, the mean postoperative CBG was lower in patients with anticipated or actual surgical length ≤120 minutes (158.1 ± 53.9 vs. 216 ± 77.7 mg/dL, P<.01). No differences were observed with admission CBG, type of anesthesia, or steroid use.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that a CSII PGMP is both safe and effective for patients admitted for elective surgical procedures and provides an example of a standardized protocol for use in clinical practice.

Glycemic management in medical and surgical patients in the non-ICU setting

Hyperglycemia is commonly observed in hospitalized patients with and without previously known diabetes and is associated with adverse outcomes. For this reason, measurement of blood glucose (BG) is recommended for all patients at admission. Measurement of an A1C identifies patients with either newly recognized diabetes or uncontrolled diabetes. Current guidelines advise fasting and premeal BG <140 mg/dl, with maximal random BG <180 mg/dl for the majority of noncritically ill patients. Rational use of basal bolus insulin (BBI) regimens is effective in achieving these glycemic goals, with low risk for hypoglycemia. The safety of BBI relies upon provider knowledge for initiation and adjustment of insulin doses for changes in nutritional status or use of medications affecting glucose metabolism. Smooth transition of care to the outpatient setting is facilitated by providing oral and written instructions regarding timing and dosing of insulin, as well as education in basic skills for home management.

Comparison of insulin infusion protocols targeting 110-140 mg/dL in patients after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Continuous intravenous insulin infusion (CII) following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery reduces postoperative complications and hospitalization duration. Because of limited data evaluating outcomes of CII with revised glycemic targets (110-140 mg/dL) in cardiac surgery, this study compared efficacy and safety of two different CII protocols having revised targets.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study comparing two different protocols between August 2009 and March 2010. Protocol 1 consists of four algorithms, and Protocol 2 is a table to adjust CII. Blood glucose (BG) and CII rates were recorded for 48 h postoperatively or CII discontinuation. Efficacy was defined by the percentage of BG values in the target range, and safety was defined by the percentage of BG values<40 and 40-69 mg/dL.

RESULTS

Protocol 1 (n=117) patients were older (65 vs. 61 years; P=0.006) and had more CABG and fewer valve procedures compared with Protocol 2 (n=130). There were no differences in baseline BG level (149±40.6 vs. 151±38.1 mg/dL), body mass index (30±6.3 vs. 30±6.4 kg/m(2)), hematocrit (28% vs. 28%), percentage of diabetes patients (32% vs. 31%), percentage of patients with glomerular filtration rate of <30 mL/min (5% vs. 6%), CII duration (42 [9-48] vs. 40 [14-48] h), total insulin units received (99 [15-376] vs. 114 [12-457]), hourly insulin rate (median of average rate [range], 2.59 [0-21) vs. 2.96 [0-25] units/h), percentage of BG values 110-140 mg/dL, <40 mg/dL, 40-69 mg/dL, and >180 mg/dL, and BG coefficient of variation (21±6.5 vs. 21±6.1). Shorter time to goal (3.32 [0.22-19.35] vs. 5.03 [0.92-19.80] h; P=0.018) and lower mean BG level (127±12.2 vs. 133±12.1 mg/dL; P<0.001) were noted with Protocol 1.

DISCUSSION

CII protocols targeting 110-140 mg/dL were effective in achieving revised targets with low hypoglycemia. Despite differences in mean BG level and time to target, each hospital continued using its existing protocols and identified areas for improvement.

U-500 insulin as a component of basal bolus insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Changes in hemoglobin A1c (A1C), weight, and total daily insulin dose (TDD) were investigated following initiation of insulin U-500 (U500) alone or as part of a basal/bolus insulin (BBI) regimen.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Records of patients with type 2 diabetes who were prescribed U500 were retrospectively reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate relationships between changes in A1C and use of U500 alone or as BBI.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were identified as using U500 alone (n=2) or in combination with long-acting (LAI) (n=7) or rapid-acting (RAI) (n=3) insulin. Reductions in A1C (9.5% at baseline vs. 7.7% at 6-9 months, P<0.0001) and increases in weight (128.8±32.7 vs. 131.5±31.3 kg, P<0.014) and TDD (260±111 to 333±106 units/day, P<0.0002) were observed. Concurrent use of LAI or RAI with U500 did not predict improvements in A1C.

CONCLUSIONS

U500 resulted in improvements in A1C and weight gain and increased TDD when used alone or as part of combination insulin therapy. Further investigations to define the optimal use of U500 are recommended.

Hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients treated with sulfonylureas

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To identify the incidence of and risk factors associated with hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients taking sulfonylureas.

DESIGN

Nested case-control study.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic medical center.

PATIENTS

Adults who received a sulfonylurea during hospitalization between November 1, 2008, and October 31, 2009. Case patients were those who experienced at least one episode of hypoglycemia, defined as a blood glucose level less than 70 mg/dl; potential control patients were those who did not experience hypoglycemia. One hundred seventeen cases were matched in a 1:1 ratio with controls based on sex and the number of days treated with a sulfonylurea in the hospital. For case patients, the index date was defined as the date of first blood glucose level less than 70 mg/dl. The number of days that the patient was taking the sulfonylurea before the index date was determined, and this same number was used to define the index date for the matched controls.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Overall, 19% of patients who received a sulfonylurea experienced at least one episode of hypoglycemia: 22% receiving glyburide, 19% receiving glimepiride, and 16% receiving glipizide. Variables included in the multivariate regression were age 65 years or older, glomerular filtration rate (GFR)≤ 30 ml/min/1.73 m(2) , and treatment with glipizide, glyburide, or concurrent intermediate- or long-acting insulin. Age 65 years or older (odds ratio [OR] 3.07, p < 0.001), intermediate- or long-acting insulin (OR 3.01, p=0.002), and GFR of 30 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) or lower (OR 3.64, p=0.006) were predictors of hypoglycemia. Cases were less likely than controls to receive glipizide (OR 0.44, p=0.005).

CONCLUSION

Hospitalized patients at increased risk for sulfonylurea-related hypoglycemia were those aged 65 years or older, those with a GFR of 30 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) or lower, and those who received concurrent intermediate- or long-acting insulin during inpatient sulfonylurea therapy. Sulfonylureas should be avoided or used with caution in these patients.

Patient outcomes after implementation of a protocol for inpatient insulin pump therapy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the safety and the results of use of an inpatient insulin pump protocol (IIPP).

METHODS

In this quality improvement initiative, review of medical records of bedside capillary blood glucose (CBG) levels and pump-related adverse events was performed on 50 consecutive inpatients admitted to the hospital with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) after implementation of our IIPP. Patients were categorized in 3 groups on the basis of evidence in the medical records for IIPP in combination with inpatient diabetes service consultation (group 1; n = 34), for IIPP alone (group 2; n = 12), or for usual care (group 3; n = 4). Patients identified during hospital admission as using CSII therapy were invited to complete a satisfaction questionnaire for inpatient CSII use.

RESULTS

Mean CBG levels were similar among the 3 groups (groups 1, 2, and 3: 173 +/- 43 mg/dL versus 187 +/- 62 mg/dL versus 218 +/- 46 mg/dL, respectively). Although there were more patient-days with blood glucose >300 mg/dL in group 3 (P = .02), there were no significant group differences in the frequency of hypoglycemia (CBG <70 mg/dL). Only 1 pump malfunction and 1 infusion site problem were reported among all study patients. No serious adverse events related to CSII therapy occurred. The majority of patients (86%) reported satisfaction with their ability to continue CSII use in the hospital.

CONCLUSION

Patients using CSII as outpatients are candidates for inpatient diabetes self-management. Inexperience with these devices on the part of hospital personnel together with the limited studies of patient experience with CSII in the hospital contributes to inconsistencies in management of these patients. An IIPP provides a standardized and safe approach to the use of CSII in the hospital.

Effect of a diabetes order set on glycaemic management and control in the hospital

PROBLEM

Insulin can have favourable effects on patient outcomes when used appropriately; however, it is considered among the top five medications associated with errors in the hospital setting.

SETTING

Tertiary care centre.

METHODS

A diabetes order set with prescribing guidelines was developed by a multidisciplinary diabetes patient safety committee, and introduced on an inpatient unit (the order set unit) following educational sessions with doctors/nurses. To determine the safety and efficacy of the order set, all orders for diabetes medications on patients with 3 days of bedside blood glucose data were recorded and reviewed for types and appropriateness of orders and compared with those written on a unit not using the order set (control unit). An expert panel not involved in the project reviewed and determined appropriateness according to criteria that included evidence of insulin adjustments for hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia, or steroid therapy. Satisfaction with the order set among clinical personnel was elicited by a four-item questionnaire.

RESULTS

There were more orders for scheduled basal/bolus insulin therapy (p = 0.008) and fewer orders for correctional insulin alone on the order set unit than the control unit. A trend toward more appropriate orders (91% vs 80%) was observed on the order set unit. A high degree of satisfaction for the diabetes order set was elicited from doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and clerical staff using a four-item survey.

CONCLUSIONS

A diabetes order set with prescribing guidelines can safely and effectively be implemented in hospitals. The success of this intervention is attributed to the contribution of nurses, pharmacists and prescribers in the design and implementation of the order set, the provider education accompanying order set implementation and the feedback following implementation.

Evolution of a diabetes inpatient safety committee

OBJECTIVE

To develop a multidisciplinary team, the Diabetes Inpatient Safety Committee (DPSC), to effectively address the many barriers to achieving glycemic control in the inpatient setting.

METHODS

The development, implementation, and successes of the DPSC are described.

RESULTS

By focusing on prevention of severe hypoglycemia, the DPSC identified and addressed areas related to inpatient management that contributed to uncontrolled glucose levels. The introduction of a hypoglycemia treatment protocol was followed by the development of a standardized order set for use of sliding scale insulin, with the eventual introduction of an Insulin Order Set guiding the use of scheduled and correctional insulin. Protocols and guidelines addressing more specific areas of inpatient glycemic management (insulin pump therapy, perioperative management, diabetic ketoacidosis, intravenous insulin) also have been developed.

CONCLUSION

The successes of the DPSC to date have been directly related to strong institutional support, the dedication of a multidisciplinary team to address specific areas of glycemic management, the programmed introduction of order sets in conjunction with structured educational programs that accompany each protocol, and the use of quality improvement measures to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these protocols. Effective committees such as this will be instrumental in preventing errors and maximizing euglycemia.

Use of a standardized protocol to decrease medication errors and adverse events related to sliding scale insulin

PROBLEM

Sliding scale insulin (SSI) is frequently used for inpatient management of hyperglycemia and is associated with a large number of medication errors and adverse events including hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

DESIGN

Observational before and after study evaluating the impact of implementation of a standardized SSI protocol and preprinted physician order form.

SETTING

University Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

STRATEGY FOR CHANGE

Guidelines for the use of SSI were created by an interdisciplinary committee and implemented in non-intensive care units. In addition, a preprinted physician order sheet was developed which included the guidelines and an option for ordering one of three standardized insulin sliding scales or a patient specific scale. EFFECT OF CHANGE: One year after implementation the physician order form was used for 91% of orders and, overall, 86% of SSI orders followed the guidelines. The number of prescribing errors found on chart review was reduced from 10.3 per 100 SSI patient-days at baseline to 1.2 at 1 year (p = 0.03). The number of hyperglycemia episodes 1 year after implementation decreased from 55.9 to 16.3 per 100 SSI patient-days.

LESSONS LEARNT

The protocol was readily accepted by hospital staff and was associated with decreased prescribing errors and decreased frequency of hyperglycemia.