Competences on hypoglycemia management among healthcare professionals in a clinical hospital

Abstract

Background: A tight glycemic control of hospitalized patients increases the risk of hypoglycemia, whose management is not always optimal. Aim: To assess the hypoglycemia management competences of a multidisciplinary team in a clinical hospital. Material and Methods: An anonymous questionnaire about hypoglycemia management was answered by 11 staff physicians, 42 residents and 28 nurses of the department of medicine and critical care unit of a university hospital. Results: Respondents had a mean of 60% of correct answers, without significant differences between groups. The capillary blood glucose level that defines hypoglycemia was known by most of the respondents, but the value that defines severe episodes was known only by 60%. The initial management and follow up was well known only for severe episodes. Less than 50% knew the blood glucose value that required continuing with treatment. Conclusions: Although most professionals are able to recognize hypoglycemia, the knowledge about is management if insufficient. (Rev Med Chile 2011; 139: 848-855).