Remote Monitoring and Consultation of Inpatient Populations with Diabetes

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Hospital Medicine
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Inpatient hyperglycemia is a prevalent issue associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality.
• Effective diabetes management in hospitals is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and innovative consultation methods for diabetes specialists in managing inpatient diabetes.
• To evaluate the impact of a virtual glucose management service (vGMS) on inpatient glycemic control.

Main Methods:

• Transitioned from paper-based insulin order sets to electronic medical records (EMRs).
• Developed daily glycemic reports to identify patients with hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
• Implemented a virtual glucose management service (vGMS) for remote consultation and recommendations.

Main Results:

• The proportion of hyperglycemic patients decreased by 39% (from 6.5 to 4.0 per 100 patient-days).
• The proportion of hypoglycemic patients decreased by 36%.
• 99% of surveyed residents found the vGMS important and helpful.

Conclusions:

• Electronic medical records facilitate remote monitoring and intervention for inpatient hyperglycemia.
• The virtual glucose management service (vGMS) is an effective strategy for improving glycemic control in hospitalized patients.
• This innovative approach enhances collaboration between diabetes specialists and medical teams, leading to better patient care.