An Electronic Health Record-Integrated Computerized Intravenous Insulin Infusion Protocol: Clinical Outcomes and in Silico Adjustment

Diabetes Metab J. 2020 Feb;44(1):56-66. doi: 10.4093/dmj.2018.0227. Epub 2019 Oct 21.

Abstract

Background: We aimed to describe the outcome of a computerized intravenous insulin infusion (CII) protocol integrated to the electronic health record (EHR) system and to improve the CII protocol in silico using the EHR-based predictors of the outcome.

Methods: Clinical outcomes of the patients who underwent the CII protocol between July 2016 and February 2017 and their matched controls were evaluated. In the CII protocol group (n=91), multivariable binary logistic regression analysis models were used to determine the independent associates with a delayed response (taking ≥6.0 hours for entering a glucose range of 70 to 180 mg/dL). The CII protocol was adjusted in silico according to the EHR-based parameters obtained in the first 3 hours of CII.

Results: Use of the CII protocol was associated with fewer subjects with hypoglycemia alert values (P=0.003), earlier (P=0.002), and more stable (P=0.017) achievement of a glucose range of 70 to 180 mg/dL. Initial glucose level (P=0.001), change in glucose during the first 2 hours (P=0.026), and change in insulin infusion rate during the first 3 hours (P=0.029) were independently associated with delayed responses. Increasing the insulin infusion rate temporarily according to these parameters in silico significantly reduced delayed responses (P<0.0001) without hypoglycemia, especially in refractory patients.

Conclusion: Our CII protocol enabled faster and more stable glycemic control than conventional care with minimized risk of hypoglycemia. An EHR-based adjustment was simulated to reduce delayed responses without increased incidence of hypoglycemia.

Keywords: Computer simulation; Electronic health records; Insulin; Medical records systems, computerized.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Computer Simulation
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy*
  • Electronic Health Records*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / drug therapy*
  • Hypoglycemia / etiology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Insulin / administration & dosage*
  • Insulin / adverse effects
  • Insulin Infusion Systems
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin