The safe use of insulin e-learning module: successful roll out of a teaching programme for all working in diabetes

Abstract

Insulin is often used in the management of hyperglycaemia but prescribing and management errors are common. A UK audit revealed 3881 wrong dose incidents and six deaths over six years (National Patient Safety Agency 2010, NPSA). The NPSA and NHS Diabetes launched a tri-phase education initiative in June 2010, aimed at reducing error and including rapid response reports sent to all hospital and community trusts, written supporting information and recommendations, and access to an e-learning module and assessment. The aim of this project was to improve all health care professionals' (HCPs') knowledge in the safe use of insulin through e-learning. A safer use of insulin e-learning module commissioned by NHS Diabetes and the NPSA was developed by a hospital trust and piloted by multidisciplinary HCPs from UK hospital and community settings. Developers used established web-based contacts to promote access. Reminders were sent to those not completing within three months. The number, type, workplace location and percentage of those accessing and completing the module were audited weekly to assess uptake. Eight-month data revealed 31 089 registrations from a wide range of HCPs with 64% (n=19 947) completing. Workplace data showed that more than half of completers worked in secondary care (59%), 22% in primary care, and 19% in community settings. Early data show positive learner feedback. E-learning provides an accessible method of education delivery to large multidisciplinary populations; module efficacy can be audited through collection and comparison of locally and nationally reported insulin errors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons.