Linking variation in the structure and process of bedside glucose testing programs with patient outcomes.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if variation in compliance to standards listed in Ancillary (Bedside) Blood Glucose Testing in Acute and Chronic Care Facilities (ABBGT) was linked to variation in patient outcomes.

Design And Setting: A retrospective analysis examined 450 hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of diabetes from three hospitals with high, medium, and low assessment scores for compliance with ABBGT guidelines. Patients with a diagnosis of diabetes without surgical interventions or intensive care unit stays were selected for the study.

Main Outcomes Measured: percent bedside glucose tests that were out of normal range and length of stay.

Results: Compliance with ABBGT guidelines explained the variation for out of range bedside glucose tests---1.4% and length

Conclusion: Within a narrow range and high level of compliance with ABBGT guidelines, the compliance scores had a small effect upon the selected outcomes. The hypothesis that following ABBGT guidelines improves patient outcomes was neither proven nor disproven with this study.