Implementing self-administration of insulin in hospital: a journey of discovery and innovation. Part 1: Culture and storage

Authors

  • Vicki L Rowse Wessex Academic Health Science Network

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15277/bjd.2018.160

Keywords:

insulin, inpatients, safety, culture

Abstract

Abstract

Patients with diabetes routinely manage their insulin at home, but when they are admitted to hospital it is common practice to take their insulin away and store it in the ward fridge. Medicines rounds and mealtimes are poorly aligned and, as a result, patients can have delayed doses and increased hypo- and hyperglycaemic episodes. Best practice states that patients should be offered self-administration of insulin, but it is not routine in most trusts. This paper reports on a project to increase the number of patients assessed and supported to administer their insulin in hospital, the reasons why the project was initially unsuccessful and the challenges of changing culture and beliefs around insulin administration. A second paper discusses steps taken to support changes in hospital trusts.

Author Biography

Vicki L Rowse, Wessex Academic Health Science Network

Senior Programme Manager, Medicines Optimisation Programme

References

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Billington S. Head of Medicines Optimisation, Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care Directorate, Care Quality Commission. By email 16 August 2017 and 16 July 2015.

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Published

2018-03-16

Issue

Section

Learning from practice