Customer Stories

Improved Nurse Confidence at Sharp HealthCare Drives Hypoglycemia Down to 0.005%

The Customer

Sharp HealthCare is a not-for-profit health care system based in San Diego, offering a range of services through its hospitals and medical groups. Known for its patient-centered care approach, “The Sharp Experience,” it focuses on improving health outcomes with compassion and efficiency.

Breaking Free from Paper Protocols: The Goal Behind Moving to Patient-Specific Dosing

Before implementing EndoTool, glycemic management at Sharp HealthCare was effective but not without challenges. Nurses relied on paper protocols, which were time-consuming and sometimes led to wavering confidence in decision-making.

Seeking a streamlined, data-driven solution, Sharp adopted EndoTool to enhance safety, efficiency, and staff confidence.

Sharp prioritized strong glycemic control, efficient goal achievement and patient safety.

Additional priorities included simplifying fluid management during insulin drips and increasing confidence among nurses across ICUs, PCUs, and EDs.

A Bold “Big Bang” Launch Across Five Hospitals

In 2021, Sharp implemented EndoTool across five hospital sites simultaneously, allowing for cross-site collaboration and support.

Here are some ways success was achieved:

Dedicated inpatient diabetes education teams aided at the bedside.
Monarch clinical RNs were available to facilitate the transition and provide training.
Strong communication between Sharp’s IT team and Monarch’s support team preemptively addressed potential concerns.

This proactive approach ensured minimal workflow disruption.

How Sharp Built Nurse Confidence with EndoTool

Sharp ensured a smooth transition and boosted nurse confidence by implementing these key strategies:

Comprehensive Training & Ongoing Education: All new critical care nurses must complete EndoTool training modules.
Strong Initial Adoption: Hands-on support from MMT support teams ensured clinical staff quickly gained confidence in using EndoTool.
Daily System Reviews: Inpatient diabetes teams review EndoTool usage daily, addressing any questions proactivity.

“The quick and safe resolution of diabetes crisis is both a current and long-term goal which are being met by using EndoTool.”

Rona Schechter MPH, RDN, CDCES

System Director, Diabetes Service Line

Image L-R: Kathleen Rice RN, Trisha Cymbor, RN,MSN,CDCES, Marty Engle F-NP, CDCES

Image L-R: Karen Rique RN, MSN, CDCES, Robin Enloe RN, MSN, CDCES Sharon Dunn, RN, MSN, CDCES

How did EndoTool Improve Patient Outcomes?

Since implementing EndoTool, Sharp HealthCare has achieved continued improvements in glycemic control, reducing the risk of hypo-and hyperglycemia.

Metric	Pre EndoTool (2015-2018)*	Post EndoTool (2024)
Severe Hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dL)	0.03%	0.005%
Hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL)	1.15%	0.15%
Severe Hyperglycemia > 300 mg/dL after goal	n/a	0.14%

*pre-Endotool data available from two units only

“We continue to see very good outcomes without any adverse events and nurse and physician satisfaction has increased.”

Rona Schechter MPH, RDN, CDCES

System Director, Diabetes Service Line

From Two Bags to One: A More Efficient Approach to Insulin Infusions

Before EndoTool, Sharp relied on a two-bag fluid method for insulin infusions, a process that was both time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Despite initial hesitation, Sharp adopted EndoTool’s recommended single-bag method during its March 2024 Epic implementation.

This transition streamlined workflows and significantly improved efficiency without compromising patient safety.

“EndoTool takes the pressure off of the nurse to calculate the insulin drip and provides an easy-to-use process instead of the more complicated way that was used before.”

Karlyn Vande Vegte, RN, ICU Nurse

Why Leading Health Systems Like Sharp Trust EndoTool

After seeing the impact firsthand, the team at Sharp HealthCare confidently recommends EndoTool, trusting it to support their clinicians’ bringing patients into target range safely and efficiently.

High satisfaction among both nursing staff and physicians, along with robust analytics, make it a valuable tool for hospitals looking to enhance glycemic management across inpatient care settings.

The simplicity and reliability of EndoTool have been key in maintaining excellence in patient outcomes, particularly as newer, less experienced nurses have joined critical care teams.