Background: The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has stressed the need for hospitals to re-evaluate their methods of insulin delivery in an effort to minimize complications of insulin pen use. Improper use of insulin pens can lead to adverse effects, such as hypoglycemia or blood-borne infections.Objective: This study was an American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) quality improvement activity focused on insulin pen safety in the hospital. The objective of this study was to improve insulin pen delivery and patient health and to reduce adverse effects related to insulin pen use. The purpose of the impact activity was to utilize pharmacist experts to evaluate processes related to the use of insulin pens within the hospital and then implement quality improvement efforts to address potential safety concerns.Methods: Baseline and postintervention questionnaires were administered to all nursing personnel (N = 400) to assess their analytical and procedural knowledge regarding insulin pen use and administration. Insulin administration observations and insulin pen storage and labeling audits were also conducted at the same time points in 3 patient care areas where insulin administration was common. Process improvements were made after the baseline data were collected.
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