Insulin errors in hospital: time for a radical re-think on risk?
Authors: Sims, J., Richardson, T. and Kerr, D.
Journal: Clinical Risk
Volume: 16
Pages: 89-92
ISSN: 1356-2622
DOI: 10.1258/cr2010.010004
Abstract:Despite having been first used in 1922, insulin prescription errors for hospitalized patients remain common. Improper use of insulin for people hospitalized with diabetes can lead to serious adverse clinical outcomes, prolonged length of stay with important health economic consequences, and a poor patient experience of their hospital treatment. Although the problem of insulin prescription errors is widely appreciated, the approach to reducing the risk of these occurring is variable and subject to local influences and interpretation of current guidance. In addition, risk management in this area appears to be based upon the actual consequences of the error at an individual level rather than the error itself and the potential for harm in others. It may be of more benefit to recognize the potential for harm from insulin errors as a driver to delivering change within NHS service delivery for people with diabetes admitted to hospital.
Source: Manual
Preferred by: David Kerr