Interventions to Improve Adherence to a Hypoglycemia Protocol.

Area of Science:

• Clinical Nursing
• Hospital Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• A hospital implemented an evidence-based hypoglycemia protocol to manage blood glucose levels.
• Low adherence to the protocol's 15-minute blood glucose recheck after treatment was observed.
• Previous interventions like education and reference cards failed to improve compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare two interventions for improving adherence to hypoglycemia treatment protocols.
• To enhance the timely rechecking of blood glucose levels after hypoglycemia treatment.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study compared two interventions: PCTs staying with patients vs. using timers.
• Patient care technicians (PCTs) were assigned to either remain in the room or use timers for rechecks.
• Compliance rates for blood glucose rechecks were measured for both groups.

Main Results:

• The timer intervention group showed significantly higher compliance (84%) compared to the room-stay group (52%).
• Timers allowed staff to manage other tasks while ensuring timely rechecks, unlike remaining in the patient's room.
• Overall hospital compliance with hypoglycemia rechecks reached 75% after timer implementation.

Conclusions:

• Timers are an effective and efficient tool for reminding hospital staff about post-hypoglycemia treatment blood glucose rechecks.
• This intervention addresses challenges faced by busy nursing staff in adhering to protocols.
• Implementing timers can improve overall adherence to critical patient safety protocols.