Poor intraoperative glucose control has been linked to multiple types of infections including surgical site infections and urinary tract infections. Several studies suggest maintaining glucose at less than 180 mg/dL effectively prevents infections, and minimizes risks of hypoglycemia as compared to stricter blood glucose targets.
The insulin dosing protocol that will be used in the study is available for use throughout the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Department of Anesthesiology. The insulin calculator (BPA) automates the protocol guidelines. When a patient meets the study criteria, the BPA will provide an automated notification through the electronic health record system. These automated notifications will pop up intraoperatively after the glucose check reminder in cases where the patient meets the study criteria. The provider is not forced to follow the recommendations of the insulin dosing calculator, rather it just serves as a reminder of best practices as defined by our department.
The specific objective is to determine if supplementing the existing glucose check reminder with a BPA, an actionable insulin dosing calculator, will influence providers to improve the control of hyperglycemia. Study results will guide the future integration of the BPA at VUMC.
