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Appl Clin Inform 2017; 08(02): 529-540
DOI: 10.4338/ACI-2016-11-RA-0187
Research Article
Schattauer GmbH

Insulin Bolus Calculator in a Pediatric Hospital

Safety and User Perceptions
Mohammad B. Ateya
1   Health Information Technology & Services, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI
,
Ranjit Aiyagari
2   Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI
,
Colleen Moran
3   Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI
,
Kanakadurga Singer
3   Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

01 November 2016

06 March 2017

Publication Date:
21 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Background: Insulin dosing in hospitalized pediatric patients is challenging and requires dosing to be matched with the specific clinical and nutritional circumstances. We implemented a customized subcutaneous insulin bolus dose calculator tool integrated with the electronic health record to improve patient care. Here we describe this tool, its utilization and safety, and assess user satisfaction and perceptions of the tool.

Methods: Blood glucose results for all patients who received insulin with and without the calculator tool were compared to assess safety. To assess user perceptions and satisfaction, a survey was sent to all identified users who interacted with the tool during the period from May 2015 to the end of November 2015. Survey responses were summarized, mean user satisfaction calculated, and correlation of Likert scale items with overall satisfaction assessed.

Results: Hypoglycemia rates (2.2% and 2.9%, p = 0.17) and severe hypoglycemia rates (0.04% and 0.1%, p = 0.21) were similar for the groups that received insulin with and without the calculator tool. Overall satisfaction for all survey respondents was high (4.05, SD = 0.83). Physicians indicated a slightly higher satisfaction than nurses (4.33 versus 3.94, p = 0.04). User agreement with improvement of quality of care showed the highest correlation with overall satisfaction (r = 0.80, 95% CI 0.7 –0.87).

Conclusion: Implementation of an insulin calculator tool streamlined ordering and administration of insulin in a pediatric academic institution while maintaining patient safety. Users indicated high overall satisfaction with the tool.

Citation: Ateya MB, Aiyagari R, Moran C, Singer K. .:Insulin bolus calculator in a pediatric hospital: Safety and user perceptions. Appl Clin Inform 2017; 8: 529–540 https://doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2016-11-RA-0187

Keywords

Diabetes mellitus - electronic health records and systems - inpatient CPOE - medication administration records - orderset - clinical decision support - satisfaction

Protection of Human and Animal Subjects

The Institutional Review Board determined that this study is exempt from review.


 

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