The effect of a quality assurance scheme and compulsory training programme on the performance of ward‐based blood glucose measurements

Abstract

AbstractWard‐based blood glucose monitoring is used widely, but assuring the accuracy and overall reliability of such measurements has always been a problem. We describe our experience of a quality assurance (QA) scheme and compulsory training programme. Two samples of horse blood ‘spiked’ with glucose were distributed to participating wards every two weeks. A nurse tested the samples with a standard reflectance meter and the results were scored on a scale of 1–5. Each ward nominated a liaison nurse to attend the compulsory training programme at which the QA scheme and the significance of measurement errors were discussed and practical techniques were taught. Each liaison nurse was expected to train nurses on his or her ward.Compared with the 15 month pre‐training period, test samples were measured more accurately, with over 75% being within 10% of the distribution mean. Also, the non‐return rate fell to 8.1% after the compulsory training programme. However, it proved difficult to maintain this performance despite regular update meetings. Long‐term training programmes for ward‐based glucose testing require careful on‐going evaluation of their effectiveness and may need sanctions to achieve optimal performance.