Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: We undertook a service development audit within our trust to review the Medical team’s knowledge on DKA and the management involved in treating these patients. The aim was to identify where there was a lack of knowledge in this area so we could provide teaching sessions on DKA and aim at the specific areas highlighted from the audit. We went on to deliver education sessions on DKA management and pinpointed the areas lacking from the pre audit. The education sessions were delivered in August 2015 and the post audit took place in October 2015.

Method: The audit was completed with questionnaires which included a range of open and closed questions. The same questionnaire was used for the pre- and post-audits.

Results: The results from the pre teaching audit highlighted that there was a major need for education and development in relation to DKA management. The results showed that only 8% felt confident in managing DKA, 66% did not feel confident in prescribing insulin, only 28% said they would continue basal insulin whilst on fixed rate intravenous insulin infusion (FRIII) and no one identified the correct fluid regime to prescribe or when to obtain further bloods on DKA patients. Post teaching the results improved but still showed a need for education. The results showed that 55% said they felt confident in prescribing insulin, 70% said they would prescribe basal insulin whilst on FRIII, 30% identified the correct fluid regime in DKA and 27.5% recognised the correct time to obtain bloods.

Conclusion: From both the pre- and post-audit it is evident that there is a need for regular periodic education and training sessions if we want to ensure that DKA is diagnosed and managed effectively in all cases.