National Insulin Pump Audit

Published Date: 19th July 2016

Publication Authors: Furlong NJ

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Introduction

The National Insulin Pump Audit is a joint funded project by Diabetes UK, ABCD and the JDRF. As the Cheshire and Merseyside expert reference group for this audit we present the preliminary results for adult patients.

Aims

The first national audit of insulin pump therapy in the UK.

Methods

An online audit of all insulin pump centres in the UK was conducted. The first phase of the audit looked at service provision.

Results

For adult patients (> 18 years of age) there were 178 sites participating in the audit representing 97% of all adult pump services in the UK. There were five adult sites that did not return data. Data were returned on 13,428 adult patients treated with insulin pump therapy. Centres start an average of 14 patients per year on insulin pumps. Clinical support of patients is provided by insulin pump companies in 43% of centres. Despite NICE guidance only 40% of centres run structured insulin pump education for patients; 72% of patients are trained, at least partly, by company representatives. Funding for insulin pumps is readily available in 93% of centres.

Conclusions

This is the First National Insulin Pump Audit. Data were captured from 97% of centres offering pump therapy for adult patients. Funding appears to be available for insulin pumps. Centres need to ensure patients have access to structured insulin pump education.

Acknowledgement

On behalf of the Expert Reference Group for the National Insulin Pump Audit.

Weston, PJ; Furlong, N et al. (2013).  The national insulin pump audit. Diabetic Medicine . 30 (Supplement S1), 80-81.

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