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Updated: May 9, 2026
12:08
Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Enhancing insulin-use safety in hospitals: Practical recommendations from an ASHP Foundation expert consensus panel
Daniel J Cobaugh1, Gregory Maynard, Lebron Cooper
1American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Research and Education Foundation, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. dcobaugh@ashp.org
Summary
Safe insulin use in hospitals is critical, as insulin is a high-alert medication prone to errors. Recommendations focus on protocol-driven orders, limiting sliding-scale insulin, and pharmacy-controlled preparation to enhance patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Hospital Pharmacy Practice
- Medication Safety
- Inpatient Diabetes Management
Background:
- Insulin is a high-alert medication frequently involved in hospital medication errors.
- A consensus-building initiative by the ASHP Research and Education Foundation addressed safe insulin use.
Framework:
- Development of protocol-driven insulin order sets.
- Elimination of routine correction/sliding-scale insulin doses.
- Restriction of insulin products in patient care areas.
Implementation:
- Pharmacy department control over insulin bolus dose and IV infusion preparation.
- Improved coordination of insulin administration with meals and glucose testing.
- Prospective monitoring of insulin delivery, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia rates.
Implications:
- Standardized education and competency assessment for healthcare professionals involved in insulin use.
- Professional organizations and accrediting bodies can facilitate recommendation implementation.
- Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of these safety recommendations.
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