Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
12:08
Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Computer decision support software safely improves glycemic control in the burn intensive care unit: a randomized
Elizabeth A Mann1, John A Jones, Steven E Wolf
1US Army Burn Center, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Summary
Computer decision support software (CDSS) improved glycemic control in critically burned patients. This technology enhanced time in target glucose range without increasing hypoglycemia, standardizing care.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Medical Informatics
Background:
- Optimal glycemic control in critically burned patients remains undetermined.
- Continuous insulin infusion is a common method for managing blood glucose levels in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of computer decision support software (CDSS) for serum glucose concentration management.
- To compare CDSS with a traditional paper protocol in a burn intensive care unit.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled crossover study involving 18 adult burn/trauma patients.
- Patients received glucose management via paper protocol and CDSS for 72-hour periods.
- Target glucose range was defined as 80-110 mg/dl.
Main Results:
- Time in the target glucose range was significantly higher with CDSS (47% vs. 41%, P ≤ .05).
- No significant difference in time over or under the target range, or in severe hypoglycemic events (<40 mg/dl).
- Increased glucose measurements and improved nursing staff compliance with CDSS recommendations were observed.
Conclusions:
- Computer decision support software (CDSS) is a safe and effective tool for glycemic control in critically burned patients.
- CDSS improves time in target glucose range without increasing hypoglycemia.
- CDSS promotes consistent practice and standardization of care among nursing staff.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
01:27Nursing Clinical Information System
Nursing Clinical Information System (NCIS)
A Nursing Clinical Information System (NCIS) is a specialized type of healthcare information system tailored to meet the unique needs of nursing practice. It incorporates the principles of nursing informatics to streamline information management and improve the quality of care delivery.
Critical attributes of NCIS include:
A Nursing Clinical Information System (NCIS) is a specialized type of healthcare information system tailored to meet the unique needs of nursing practice. It incorporates the principles of nursing informatics to streamline information management and improve the quality of care delivery.
Critical attributes of NCIS include:
01:25Diabetic Ketoacidosis l: Introduction
DefinitionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute, life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by a triad of hyperglycemia (blood glucose >250 mg/dL), ketonemia or ketonuria, and metabolic acidosis (arterial pH <7.30 and serum bicarbonate <18 mEq/L). It results from insulin deficiency combined with elevated levels of counterregulatory hormones—glucagon, catecholamines, cortisol, and growth hormone—leading to increased lipolysis, hepatic ketone production, and...
01:22Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency, resistance, or both. Prolonged hyperglycemia disrupts metabolic homeostasis and leads to acute and chronic complications.Acute ComplicationsAcute complications result from sudden metabolic imbalance.Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) mainly appears in type 1 diabetes but may also develop in type 2 diabetes, particularly under extreme stress. It arises from severe insulin deficiency,...
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Assessment:
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...