Illinois Hospital Association

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April 11, 2008

Targeted Quality Improvement Support - Controlled Cardiac Surgery Postoperative Blood Glucose

TO: Chief Executive Officers
  Critical Care Directors
  Cardiothoracic Surgery Directors
  Pharmacy Directors
  Quality Directors
  Infection Control Professionals


Controlled Postoperative Blood Glucose (SCIP-4) is one of several additional surgical infection prevention related measures for hospitals to voluntarily submit to be eligible for the Annual Payment Update in 2008. This article (click here) is the first addressing these newly added measures, Cardiac Surgery Patients with Controlled 6 A.M. Postoperative Blood Glucose and shares the experiences of two Illinois hospitals improvement activities. This information is important to all administrators, quality and clinical leaders and staff responsible for or involved in patient care activities.

Controlled Postoperative Blood Glucose
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement reports that reviews of medical literature shows that the degree of hyperglycemia in the postoperative period was correlated with the rate of surgical site infection in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery. At the same time, advances in endocrinology practices have allowed for better control of blood glucose levels with the use of IV insulin protocols. The monitoring and control of patients’ blood glucose is becoming a more common component of the critical care environment.

Hospitals are encouraged to provide us feedback on this series as well as contact us to share their success stories and improvement efforts. The articles from this series are available by clicking here. For additional information please contact Tim Philipp at tphilipp@ihastaff.org.