Think, Check, Act cuts hypoglycemia by 20 per cent in diabetes patients

A Scottish trial has led to a 20 per cent drop in the number of times patients with diabetes have hypoglycemia.
The Think Check Act scheme is funded by the Scottish Government and has run across 12 wards in four health board areas.
Diabetes accounts for between 15 and 20 per cent of patients in Scottish hospitals, according to Diabetes Scotland, with hypoglycemic episodes liable to increase the length of their stay. This affects over 25 per cent of patients with diabetes.
The scheme provides ward staff with education regarding hypos, while providing “hypo boxes” which can treat hypoglycemia in patients through ready-made kits.
A 20 per cent reduction in hypos was recorded across all wards through Think Check Act, while one particular ward had increased hypoglycemia management of 92 per cent, rising from 39 per cent.
Diabetes Scotland national director Jane-Claire Judson said: “It was clear that care improvements had to be made and Diabetes Scotland was happy to be approached to be involved in the development of Think Check Act, particularly given its focus on person-centred care which ensures the views of people with diabetes are integral to the improvement process.
“Think Check Act is a proactive approach to improvement that works equally well for people with diabetes as for healthcare professionals,” Judson added.