Document Type
DNP Project
Publication Date
4-9-2024
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Faculty Advisor
Sylvie Rosenbloom, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CDCES
Practice Mentor
Hilary Sullivan, DNP, APRN
Abstract
Significance and Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are beneficial for assessing blood glucose measurements throughout the day by simply waving a smartphone over the sensor that’s attached to the back of a patient’s arm. Patients with T2DM who check blood glucose measurements via finger-sticks, have to undergo numerous daily finger-sticks. Over time, this action can grow very cumbersome while CGM offers real-time blood glucose measurements without having to pierce the skin repeatedly. CGM use in patients with T2DM may help to improve overall blood glucose measurements.
Purpose: To trial CGM in patients with T2DM and monitor blood glucose measurements over a two-week period and determine if its use can improve blood glucose control.
Methods: The project implementation and evaluation were guided by the PDSA framework. Plan- Initiate CGM trial in patients with T2DM who are interested in closer monitoring of blood glucose measurements and return for a two-week follow-up. Do- CGM trial was presented to 48 patients with T2DM and 23 patients agreed to use it. Each patient returned for their two-week follow-up appointment. Study- Data on pre and post blood glucose measurements was collected. Act- Present to stakeholders and plan for next PSDA cycle.
Outcome: Over a 12-week period, there were 23 patients with T2DM who agreed to trial CGM out of 48 patients who were seen by the project mentor (48%). The average blood glucose pre CGM trial was 196 mg/dL and the average blood glucose measurement post CGM trial was 134 mg/dL. Thirty percent of patients who trialed CGM then went on to obtain a prescription to continue the use of CGM. There was an overall downtrend of blood glucose values after the use of CGM in patients with T2DM.
Discussion: Despite low attendance rate of CGM trial in a primary care clinic, there were downward trends in overall blood glucose measurements. The CGM sensor use over a two-week period in patients with T2DM had a positive impact on overall blood glucose control.
Creative Commons License
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Recommended Citation
Suydam, M. (2024). Implementing continuous glucose monitoring: A quality improvement project [Unpublished DNP project]. Sacred Heart University.
Comments
A DNP project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Sacred Heart University Davis & Henley College of Nursing.