Glycemic control in critically ill patients: a best practice implementation project

Abstract

Introduction: Prior studies have shown that about half of critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) have abnormal blood glucose. Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia increase the risk of death in critically ill patients; therefore, controlling blood glucose in such patients is crucial. There is a significant gap between clinical practice and the current best evidence regarding glycemic control in ICU. Aim: This best practice implementation project aimed to improve glycemic control for critically ill patients in a tertiary hospital in China by promoting best practices. Methods: This project was conducted according to the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which is based on an audit and feedback strategy. Four audit criteria were developed for the baseline and follow-up audits. An implementation protocol was designed based on the barriers and facilitators identified in the baseline audit. Nursing documentation from patients' medical records and interviews with nurses were used to assess the baseline and follow-up audit compliance rates. Results: The results showed improved compliance with the four criteria in the follow-up audit. Except for only slight improvement in Criterion 2 (increasing from 15.3% to 26.6%), the three other criteria all achieved significant improvements. The compliance rate for Criterion 1 increased from 43.8% to 70.0%, Criterion 3 increased from 0% to 100%, and Criterion 4 increased from 46.8% to 65.8%. Conclusions: This evidence-based implementation project successfully increased nurses' compliance with best practice recommendations for glycemic control in critically ill patients.