Glycemic Outcomes and Nurse Perceptions of Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Hospitalized Patients

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can decrease hypoglycemic events and health care costs; however, barriers and facilitators that influence CGM use are unknown.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate hypoglycemic events and cost outcomes after CGM implementation and describe associated barriers and facilitators.

A mixed-methods study design was used to evaluate CGM implementation on 2 pulmonary units within an academic health center. Hypoglycemic events were evaluated before and after CGM implementation, and nurses were interviewed about facilitators and barriers that influence CGM use.

Hypoglycemic events decreased from a rate of 0.0906 per 1000 patient days to 0.0503 postimplementation, P < .0001. A $105 766 cost avoidance was recognized. Barriers and facilitators to CGM use are described.

Findings support CGM implementation, while uniquely contributing financial impact and device use barriers and facilitators. Hospitals may consider CGM use to improve timely identification and treatment of hypoglycemia.