National Diabetes Inpatient Specialist Nurse Group

Journal of Diabetes Nursing, July-August, 2006 by Esther Walden

The fifth meeting of the National Diabetes Inpatient Specialist Nurse Group took place in May this year in Oxford.

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The meeting was dedicated to sharing of audit results, and kicked off with Dr Mike Sampson presenting the results of the National Diabetes Inpatient Survey. With a 91% questionnaire return rate this survey gave a comprehensive picture of how inpatient diabetes services are delivered and by whom, and was received with great interest by the group. It also highlighted the gaps in services, which gives a focus for future developments.

This was followed by results presented by Helen Baker from the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, where they have introduced an innovative protocol and stocked box for the management of hypoglycaemia. The success of the 'hypo box' led to them collecting an innovation award, and it will certainly have the rest of us thinking of new ways of dealing with an old problem.

Simone Penfold from Royal Bournemouth Hospital then presented on the correlation of meal times and diabetes medication when in hospital. This demonstrated that sometimes there was no real correlation, which, if overcome, could potentially improve both patient care and length of hospital stay.

After some lively discussion over lunch, Louise Hilton from Royal Bolton Hospital discussed the results of an audit of diabetic emergencies, whereby a proforma had been used for effective and timely management. The results showed that by having a proforma to follow, outcomes of these emergencies could be greatly improved.

The penultimate presentation, by Nicky Middleton from the John Radcliffe Hospital, demonstrated how a protocol had developed for the continuation of a long-acting insulin analogue with an intravenous sliding scale as a result of an incident. There followed a heated discussion as it seems that many other trusts have been considering implementing such a protocol.

Finally Lizzie Moore and Shirly Baker from Derriford Hospital presented on the impact of an inpatient DSN team. Through employment of a full team they have been able to significantly reduce length of stay, therefore reducing costs.

For further information on any of these audits or the group contact

Christine Jones (DISN Group Administrator)

Phone 01603 288206

Email christine.jones@nnuh.nhs.uk