Performance improvement measures in achieving glycemic control in the acute brain injury population

Glycemic control is becoming a standard practice in the intensive care environment because it has been shown to produce positive patient outcomes and benefits. A 14-bed neurointensive care unit initiated a strict glycemic protocol and evaluated the results over a 1-year period through a performance improvement initiative. Results indicated that tight glycemic control could be achieved safely by adhering to an evidence-based established protocol. The average blood glucose level for all patients was between 90 and 130 mg/dl by Day 2 after the implementation of the glycemic control protocol. The purpose of this article was to explain how a strict glycemic protocol was safely implemented. Further research is necessary to determine long-term benefits of glycemic control in the population with neurocritical illness.