2008 Cardinal Health Patient Safety Grant Recipients >
Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Insulin Therapy Risk-Reduction Program
Team members
- Matilda Adams, RN, Nurse Manager
- Elaine Atkinson, RN, CDE, Diabetes Educator
- Cynthia Basile, RN, Nursing Education
- Linda Fang, Pharm.D., Clinical Pharmacy Faculty
- Eric Hola, MS, MLS, Pharmacy Director
- A. Scott Mathis, Pharm.D., Pharmacy Assistant Director for Clinical Services
- Sridhar Nambi, MD, Endocrinologist
- Gregory Rokosz, DO, JD, Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs
In evaluating patient safety indicators it was recognized that room for improvement existed in the use and safety of certain
high-alert medications, like insulin. With the goals of improving the care of patients with hyperglycemia and reducing insulin errors and adverse drug reactions in mind, a multidisciplinary committee was formed. The group determined the insulin formulary should be modified, auto-substitution should be employed to support formulary changes, and mandatory order forms should be developed. In addition, patient-specific pens are provided in place of floor-stock vials, staff is educated regarding hypo- and hyper-glycemia management guidelines and bedside bar coding is being implemented.
Program inquiries
Dr. Scott Mathis
Assistant Director, Clinical Services – Pharmacy Department
Phone: 973.322.5456
Email:
smathis@sbhcs.com
Saint Barnabas Development Foundation
95 Old Short Hills Road
West Orange, NJ 07052
U.S.A. - English
