Abstract
The objective of this study was to create an appropriate care guideline for diabetic
patients with hypoglycemia at Phayuhakiri Hospital. The methodology included a literature
review, knowledge sharing with other community hospitals and diabetes mellitus
specialists, after which a care guideline for diabetes with hypoglycemia was developed.
All diabetic patients hospitalized for hypoglycemia during the period October 2005 - September
2006 were enrolled in this study. Mortality, readmission rates of recurrent hypoglycemia,
knowledge, self-caring behaviors and support from relatives before and after
the intervention were compared. The findings showed that these new practices reduced
the hazardous consequences of hypoglycemia, such as death or recurrent hypoglycemia;
patients and relatives developed better knowledge in preventing hypoglycemia
and had more appropriate responses to hypoglycemia symptoms. This care guideline
has been implemented in Phayuhakiri Hospital since fiscal year 2007. The pitfalls found
in this guideline will be adjusted in order to obtain more efficient care.
The objective of this study was to create an appropriate care guideline for diabetic
patients with hypoglycemia at Phayuhakiri Hospital. The methodology included a literature
review, knowledge sharing with other community hospitals and diabetes mellitus
specialists, after which a care guideline for diabetes with hypoglycemia was developed.
All diabetic patients hospitalized for hypoglycemia during the period October 2005 - September
2006 were enrolled in this study. Mortality, readmission rates of recurrent hypoglycemia,
knowledge, self-caring behaviors and support from relatives before and after
the intervention were compared. The findings showed that these new practices reduced
the hazardous consequences of hypoglycemia, such as death or recurrent hypoglycemia;
patients and relatives developed better knowledge in preventing hypoglycemia
and had more appropriate responses to hypoglycemia symptoms. This care guideline
has been implemented in Phayuhakiri Hospital since fiscal year 2007. The pitfalls found
in this guideline will be adjusted in order to obtain more efficient care.
