INCREASING NURSE COMPLIANCE TO HYPOGLYCEMIA PROTOCOL

The American Diabetes Association published a set of evidence-based practice standards for treating hypoglycemia in hospitalized patients, which outlined the use of the 15/15 rule. The 15/15 rule is standard practice for all hypoglycemic patients; however, it is not widely used by inpatient nurses. As a result, hospital length of stay, incidences of hypoglycemia are both increased when hospitalized patients experience a hypoglycemic event. Non-compliance with the hypoglycemia protocol is costly and impacts patient outcomes. Methods: Using the Iowa model as a framework. The project included creating, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of diabetes staff education utilizing simulation training. The simulation was based on evidence-based practices designed to increase compliance with the hypoglycemia protocol. The project took place in a direct observation unit at a local hospital with unit nurses. Results: Baseline data showed that multiple patients admitted to the unit with Diabetes Mellitus experienced hypoglycemic episodes. Data also showed that nurses were non-compliant with hypoglycemic protocol at baseline. Following the implementation of the simulation, results showed that there was a slight increase in nurse compliance with the protocol. Implications: The results showed that Simulation training was practical for increasing nurse compliance.