PSUN219 Increasing Frequency of Hemoglobin A1c (Hba1c) Measurements in Hospitalized Patients With Diabetes: A Quality Improvement Project Using Lean Six Sigma

Abstract

Background

Studies have shown the predictive value of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) on inpatient glycemic control, and its value for discharge planning. There is little data on HbA1c testing adherence to American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines among inpatient providers, and anecdotal evidence suggests that most inpatient providers do not have a standardized approach to HbA1c measurement. The Lean Six Sigma method is a management system that originated in the automobile industry and has become widely used in healthcare to improve the efficiency of processes. The objective of this study was to determine the impact utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodology to increase frequency of HbA1c measurements among hospitalized patients with a known history of diabetes, in line with ADA guidelines.

Methods

This was a quality improvement study performed in a 240-bed community hospital, evaluating inpatients (≥16 years) consecutively admitted with a diagnosis of diabetes (ICD-10 code E8-E13 and O24) between January 2016-June 2021. Patients were excluded if they had a HbA1c in the health system electronic health record (EHR) in the prior 3 months. The Lean Six Sigma approach was utilized to define the problem and implement solutions. The intervention bundle delivered between November 2017 and February 2018 included 1) provider and nursing education on the utility of HbA1c in patient care, 2) change in laboratory protocols for more rapid turnaround of HbA1c, 3) modifications to the EHR including a glucose management tab and insulin order set that included HbA1c. Hospital encounter and patient-level data were extracted from the EHR via bulk query. Demographic characteristics were calculated. Frequency of HbA1c lab sent while inpatient was compared pre- (Jan 2016-Nov 2017) and post-intervention (March 2018-June 2021) using chi-square analysis.

Results

17,869 patients were included (7,332 pre- and 10,537 post-intervention). Demographics did not differ between pre and post intervention periods (mean age [range]: 78.1 [16-106] years, sex: 52.3% male, race: 52.1% White, 25.1% Black). Only 53.5% of patients who met criteria had a HbA1c measured during hospitalization before intervention. This frequency increased to 70.2% postintervention. The improvement in the frequency of HbA1c measurement was sustained more than two years following the initial interventions and continued to improve over time.

Conclusion

This novel approach was successful in improving adherence to guideline-based measurement of HbA1c in hospitalized patients. This is the first quality improvement project in a community hospital utilizing the Lean Six Sigma process for this purpose and may represent a valuable methodology for community hospitals to improve inpatient diabetes care.

Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.