The best joint pharmacy and diabetes team initiative to improve insulin and prescribing safety in hospital

Abstract

Introduction: The annual National Diabetes Inpatient Audit (NaDIA) in the UK continues to show a high incidence of insulin errors in patients admitted to hospital with diabetes. It is clear that new initiatives are urgently required to address this risk.

Methods: The Joint British Diabetes Societies for In-Patient Care (JBDS-IP) organised the third national Rowan Hillson Insulin Safety Award on the theme of the best joint pharmacy and diabetes team initiative to improve insulin and prescribing safety in hospital.

Results: There were two winners (Derby and Sheffield teams) and one runner up (St George’s Hospital team). The Derby team won by showing improvements in NaDIA-reported data on medication, prescription, glucose management and insulin errors by a combination of electronic prescribing, staff education and regular audits. The Sheffield team improved self-administration of insulin by a pharmacist-led programme. The St George’s Hospital team improved patient safety by a dedicated pharmacist-supported programme for peri-operative patients.

Conclusions: These and similar schemes need to be developed, promoted and shared to reduce insulin errors in hospitalised patients with diabetes.