715 REDUCING OVERTREATMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES IN OLDER PEOPLE LIVING IN CARE HOMES

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Older people in care homes living with frailty are less likely to benefit from tight glycaemic control in the management of type 2 diabetes with increased risk of adverse effects for example hypoglycaemia, falls and hospital admission. We wished to ascertain the scale of the problem and reduce overtreatment. We defined overtreatment based on American Diabetes Association guidelines as being on an agent that can cause hypoglycaemia and having an HBA1C of ≤53 mmol/mol or, an HbA1c 53–64 mmol/mol with either three or more co-morbidities. Methods In 2016, we audited the management of type 2 diabetes in older people discharged from LTHT to care homes. We discussed our concerns with diabetes and geriatric medicine colleagues across medical, nursing and pharmacy disciplines. We engaged the support of the citywide diabetes network which comprises secondary care colleagues, general practitioners and pharmacists. We presented the findings of our initial audit to colleagues within primary and secondary care through departmental meetings and citywide network meetings. We wrote a new guideline, specifically for frail older people that was disseminated citywide through these networks. We re-audited in 2020. Results In total, 113 cases were reviewed in 2016 and 105 cases in 2020. In 2020, only 6% (6 patients) were overtreated compared to 38% (43 patients) in 2016. Conclusions There has been a marked reduction in overtreatment which should result in less adverse events. We believe the reasons for success lie in wide engagement of relevant stakeholder groups around an issue that is important, large in scale and meaningful to both patient and clinician. There are potential cost savings from reducing medications and reducing harm.