Hospital Demonstrates LOS and Cost Benefit from Glucose Management Software

A study at United Regional Health Care System (URHCS), a major 325-bed hospital in Wichita Falls, Texas, proves that safe and efficient glucose management not only improves the delivery of insulin therapy, but decreases overall length of stay and results in financial savings for the hospital.

As part of its commitment to leverage advanced medical technology for the benefit of patient care, the hospital implemented the EndoTool Glucose Management System to improve glucose control, particularly among coronary bypass and valve repair/replacement patients, as well as those at risk for surgical site infection.

Overall, the hospital found that EndoTool’s advanced technology enabled patients to achieve and maintain appropriate glucose levels far more quickly and efficiently than manually computed protocols. In these at-risk patient populations, enhanced glucose control decreased overall length of stay by minimizing time spent in intensive care units (ICU) and coronary care units (CCU), and through fewer sepsis or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) complications.

Results showed a savings for the hospital system during the six-month evaluation period that were estimated at greater than $91,136. This was based on a comparison of high-acuity ICU/CCU bed and nursing costs with the lower costs in the progressive care unit (PCU) where potential ICU/CCU patients were actually admitted.

The study took place in the ICU, CCU and step-down units. As a result of the reduced surgical site infections and reduced average glucose levels on postoperative day 1 and 2, the Texas Medical Foundation’s Health Quality Institute cited URHCS among the top 10% of state hospitals with effective glucose management programs.

Following this success, EndoTool was implemented in the progressive care unit (PCU) in 2012 and studied for a six-month period. Ninety-five patients with milder diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), simple hyperglycemia, and similar conditions were closely monitored until July 16, 2012.

Post implementation, overall hypoglycemia decreased 81%, while severe hypoglycemia decreased by 90%. The percentage of patients “in range” increased 114.7%.