Conclusion
The need for continued quality
improvement is at the forefront of
care within hospitals across the
nation. The knowledge gained from
research has countless applications
and benefits to the patients as well as
health care organizations. Regula tory
agencies have begun to examine not
only quality indicators that require
mandatory reporting, but also the
processes in place and the utilization
of evidence-based practice.
This study resulted in a higher percentage
of blood glucose values within
the target range with treatment by
basal-bolus subcutaneous insulin
when compared with bolus-only dosing.
Patients in the basal-bolus group
had higher numbers of blood glucose
values near normal range without a
significant increase in hypoglycemia.
If the demonstrated outcome benefits
among critically ill patients were
truly a result of improved glycemic
control, medical patients also might
demonstrate improved benefits related
to mortality, infections, renal
complications, and hospital length of
stay. Further research is needed to
compare the influence of basal-bolus
insulin to bolus insulin dosing and
determine the impact on patient outcomes.
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