Short summary

A mixed method study at surgical wards at Odense University Hospital and Zealand University Hospital comparing fingerstick glucose monitoring with a continuous glucose monitoring system regarding 280 patients' glucose levels, patient satisfaction, and nursing staff's workload on glucose management. In addition, a field study with participant observations and qualitative interviews is conducted.

Rationale

Background: Glucose control of surgical patients with diabetes is essential to prevent hyper- and hypoglycemia, resulting in surgical site infections, prolonged hospital stay, and death. Glucose monitoring by fingerstick is often standard in hospitals; however, this procedure can be painful for patients and time-consuming for healthcare professionals. A continuous glucose monitoring system is an alternative that can improve glucose control and has been tested safe and beneficial in outpatients and intensive care settings; however, more knowledge is needed about its use in in-bed wards. Aim: To compare a continuous glucose monitoring system to fingerstick monitoring in general surgical wards regarding glucose levels, patient satisfaction, and nursing staffs' workload. Further, to explore patients' and nursing staff's in-depth experience of the two glucose monitoring methods.

Description of the cohort

Adult patients admitted to surgical departments. Nursing staff from surgical departments.

Data and biological material

Demographics, diagnosis, data from journals, questionnaire data, data from field study with participant observation and qualitative interviews.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Surgical Department, Zealand University Hospital Køge

• Marian Christin Petersen