• Ann Pharmacother · Sep 2009

    Evaluation of compliance with a paper-based, multiplication-factor, intravenous insulin protocol.

    • Rachel M Cyrus, Paul M Szumita, Bonnie C Greenwood, and Merri L Pendergrass.
    • Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Administration; L-2, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA. rcyrus@partners.org
    • Ann Pharmacother. 2009 Sep 1;43(9):1413-8.

    BackgroundHyperglycemia is common in critically ill patients and is an independent risk factor for in-hospital morbidity and mortality.ObjectiveTo assess compliance with a paper-based, multiplication-factor, intravenous insulin protocol.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted in a 720-bed urban, academic medical center in Boston, Massachusetts. During a 1-month period, compliance with and the consequent safety and efficacy of the Brigham and Women's Hospital paper-based, multiplication-factor, intravenous insulin protocol was evaluated.ResultsThe primary endpoint of protocol compliance, defined as correct adjustment to insulin infusion rate and correct timing of bedside blood glucose concentration (BBGC) checks +/-10 minutes of prespecified BBGC check according to the Brigham and Women's Hospital Intravenous Insulin Protocol (BHIP), was 47.2%. Seventy-two patients met inclusion criteria. Appropriate adjustment of infusion rates occurred 68.2% (1206/1768) of the time. Compliance with the timing of BBGC checks was found to be the majority of protocol violations. BBGCs were monitored +/-5 minutes of indicated time per the protocol 26.2% (463/1768) of the time. Blood glucose concentration checks within extended timing of +/-10 minutes of indicated time per the protocol occurred 793 (44.8%) times. Blood glucose concentration monitoring took place greater than 20 minutes past indicated time 450 (25.5%) times. In 1768 measurements, blood glucose concentrations between 40 and 60 mg/dL occurred 23 (1.3%) times in 12 (16.7%) patients. Blood glucose concentrations 40 mg/dL or less were detected 3 (0.17%) times in 2 (2.7%) patients. None of these hypoglycemic events led to documented complications.ConclusionsOverall, a rather low level of compliance with a paper-based, multiplication-factor, intravenous insulin protocol was observed, which warrants further investigation. Compliance rates in this evaluation were found to be similar to the rates observed in previously evaluated fixed-dose intravenous insulin protocols. Protocol noncompliance may be associated with hypo- and hyperglycemia.

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