Electronic dashboard‐based remote glycemic management program reduces length of stay and readmission rate among hospitalized adults

Abstract

Abstract Aims/Introduction Currently, the impact of hospital‐wide glycemic control interventions on length of hospital stay (LOS) and readmission rates are largely unknown. We investigated the impact of a 4‐year hospital‐wide remote glycemic management program on LOS and 30‐day readmission rates among hospitalized adults who received glucose monitoring. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, hospitalized patients who received glucose monitoring were classified into groups 1 (high glucose variability), 2 (hypoglycemia), 3 (hyperglycemia) and 4 (relatively stable). The monthly percentage changes, and average monthly percentage changes of hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and treat to target were determined using joinpoint regression analysis. Results A total of 106,528 hospitalized patients (mean age 60.9 ± 18.5 years, 57% men) were enrolled. We observed a significant reduction in the percentage of inpatients in poor glycemic control groups (groups 1, 2 and 3, all P < 0.001), and a reciprocal increase in the relatively stable group (group 4) from 2016 to 2019. We found a significant reduction in LOS by 11.4% (10.5–9.3 days, P = 0.002, after adjustment for age, sex, and admission department). The 30‐day readmission rate decreased from 29.9% to 29.3%, mainly among those in group 4 in 2019 (P < 0.001 after adjustment of sex, age, admission department and LOS). Conclusions Improved glycemic control through a hospital‐wide electronic remote glycemic management system reduced LOS and 30‐day readmission rates. Findings observed in this study might be associated with the reduction in cost of avoidable hospitalizations.

Keywords

• Inpatient glycemic management
• Length of stay
• Readmission