Exploring the impact of a pharmacist‐led feedback intervention on insulin prescribing error frequency

Published Date: 26th June 2019

Publication Authors: Bennett N, Cardwell J, Furlong NJ, Hart A, Lloyd M, Michaels S

Aims

The aim of this research was to explore the impact of pharmacist‐led feedback on insulin prescribing.

Methods

This study was undertaken in a large UK teaching hospital. Ward pharmacists were trained in the delivery of prescribing feedback. Definitions of insulin prescribing errors were based on the National Diabetes Inpatient Audit tool. Prospective prescribing audits were undertaken by ward pharmacists over a four week period for doctors on control and intervention wards. Individualised and group feedback on insulin prescribing was then provided monthly to doctors, both verbally and in writing, for three consecutive months. Insulin prescribing was then re‐audited over a four week period. All prescribing data was entered into excel for statistical analysis.

The National Health Service (NHS) research approval was obtained (IRAS248203).

Results

Prescribing data was collected on a total of 156 insulin prescriptions. Error frequencies were similar at baseline (p = 0.213) between control (42 errors/36 prescriptions) and intervention groups (37 errors/47 prescriptions). Post‐intervention, there was a significant reduction (p = <0.05) in error frequency (10 errors/50 prescriptions) in the intervention group with no significant difference in the control group (34 errors/23 prescriptions), an overall improvement in change in insulin prescription errors of 89.7% between groups.

Conclusion

Prospective provision of pharmacist‐led feedback has potential to positively influence insulin prescribing and patient safety outcomes in hospital settings. Whilst this intervention shows promise for wider application, it is a small study with further research required to determine feasibility and transferability and what impact, if any, feedback has on insulin prescribing behaviour.

Lloyd, M; Bennett, N; Hart, A; Michaels, S; Cardwell, J; Furlong, N. (2019). Exploring the impact of a pharmacist-led feedback intervention on insulin prescribing error frequency . Diabetic Medicine. 36 (S1), 29

« Back