Transition of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion systems in a very short time frame as a consequence of a public tender process

Aim

The procurement of pumps/supplies through a tender process is common practice among public services. A report is presented on the feasibility and safety of the transition from one continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) system to another within a very short time frame (4-weeks) as the consequence of a public tender.

Methods

The program consisted of: Session-1 was a system start-up training session. Patient satisfaction was evaluated. Session-2 consisted of a call from technical staff 72 h after Session-1 to provide support regarding the programming or the change of infusion set. Session-3 was a training session regarding the use of therapy management software. During and 2 months after Session-2, clinical events, technical issues, and training reinforcement incidents were registered. HbA1c data were collected retrospectively.

Results

A total of 219 patients were enrolled. During the second week, 81% of patients were transferred to the new system. Patient overall satisfaction scored 9.4/10 (none <7). There were 30 training reinforcement events and 7 technical issues, with all 37 of them being were sorted out over the telephone. There were 31 additional clinical events (infusion set issues). Twenty-four were considered mild, and were solved by phone technical support. Medical assistance was needed in six (five unexpected hyperglycemia, one ketosis). There was only one severe event (ketoacidosis requiring hospitalization). HbA1c did not deteriorate during the transition process. One hundred twenty-eight patients attended the therapy management software training.

Conclusions

With the assistance of a specific program, a complete switch to a new insulin pump in a large population of patients with T1D in the context of a public tender in a very short time was carried out safely and without deterioration of metabolic control.