Abstract NS5: Use of a Multidisciplinary Approach to Successfully Improve Inpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education and Diabetes Medication Reconciliation at Discharge for Persons With Diabetes and Stroke at a Major Academic Medical Center

Abstract

Background: Persons with diabetes are 1.5 times more likely to have a stroke. Research shows that there is a correlation between increasing diabetes and stroke. Education for stroke patients, however, continues to focus on medication management and blood pressure reduction. American Diabetes Association indicates, “There should be a structured discharge plan tailored to the individual patient with diabetes.” Transitioning from the acute care is risky for diabetics, recommendations now include individualized education for diabetics with stroke. 40% of the stroke population at our institution showed risk factors for diabetes, yet 11% received diabetes education, and only 59% had diabetes medication pre-prescribed at discharge. The stroke team initiated an inpatient diabetes education to increase patient awareness and medication adherence. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to identify and address barriers related to the provision of individualized inpatient diabetes education and outpatient diabetes medication reconciliation for persons with diabetes and stroke. Method: The Endocrinology team was consulted for patients with diabetes and stroke with an A1c level of 7%. These team worked collaboratively to establish a consult process. Endocrinology APPs provided diabetic education and advised the Neurology team on the appropriate discharge medication regimen and follow-up. The stroke coordinator provided reminders during rounds to assure that consults were ordered for patients with diabetes having A1c 7% or greater. Results: Inpatient diabetes education improved from 11% in 2017 to 96% in 2019. Diabetes medication reconciliation, with listing of diabetes medications on the after visit summary at discharge increased from 59% in 2017 to 93% in 2019. Conclusions: Both metrics reflect improvement over a 2-year period, showing that collaboration between the Endocrinology and Neurology teams is key to effective discharge planning, diabetes medication reconciliation and outpatient follow-up.