Dissertation dilemma
Q The subject of my dissertation is the interface between primary and secondary care diabetes teams. What, if anything, is being done in your area to bridge the gap between primary and secondary care diabetes teams with the aim of achieving a seamless service for the person with diabetes? Some examples are listed below, but there may be other initiatives in your area which have not been included.
I would like to know if any of those listed are being used and, if so, how effective they are. It would also be very helpful to me to know if there are any other practices that are not reported in the literature. I would also be grateful to know if none of these practices are being followed in your area.
- Shared records.
- Patient-held records.
- Shared education programmes for professionals.
- Mentoring arrangements between services.
- Specialist support arrangements.
- Patient pathways.
- Standardised written information for patients.
- Structured education for people with diabetes delivered by members of primary and secondary care teams.
Kath Troop, DSN, Nottingham
Freemixing insulin
Q We have recently had several patients who have requested to go back to “freemixing” soluble and isophane insulin in a syringe. Does anyone have any patient information leaflets with diagrams explaining how to “freemix”?
Angela Mills, DSN, Liverpool
Hypo boxes
Q I am considering auditing the use of “hypoboxes” on the wards. Has anyone had experience of using these? Are they worthwhile in the treatment of hypoglycaemic episodes? Are they used correctly? Positive and negative experiences please.
Liz Floyd, Inpatient DSN, Liverpool
Insulin pump policies
Q I am working as a diabetes inpatient specialist nurse, and would like to hear from any other DISNs who have developed policies for individuals admitted on insulin pump therapy. Mainly looking at management of these patients and if anyone has encountered any problems, such patients fasting for procedures and needing a glucose-potassium-insulin infusion.
Sinead Dawes, DSN, Aintree
Su Down looks back on a year of change and achievement.
17 Dec 2024