Advancing Patient Safety and Access to Concentrated Insulin (U-500 Regular Insulin) in the Veterans Health Administration: A Clinician Education Program in the Primary Care Setting.

Abstract

IN BRIEF The national epidemic of diabetes and the exposure of Vietnam veterans to Agent Orange has led to insulin resistance requiring concentrated insulin (U-500 regular [U-500R] insulin) for glycemic control. Initiation of U-500R insulin is limited to endocrinology expertise housed at “hub” Veterans Health Administration locations hours away from smaller “spoke” facilities. To overcome potential health care disparities and improve patient safety, a program was developed ensuring that all clinicians could co-manage U-500R insulin. This program evaluation was undertaken to improve patient safety and access to U-500R insulin by improving spoke clinicians’ knowledge of safe delivery and management of U-500R insulin.