Citation: Diabetic Medicine. 2013, 30, 119-120
Author: Hodgkinson R.S.; McFarlane F.M.; Leong K.S.
Abstract: Aims: To determine patient acceptability and usefulness of a hospital designed insulin passport card and the NHS Diabetes insulin safety information booklet. The card was developed to meet local needs for documentation of insulin doses and contact details of the diabetes specialist team, an option not available on the National Patient Safety Agency insulin passport. Method: Using a standard questionnaire, three members of pharmacy interviewed 40 adult outpatients and inpatients on insulin. Verbal consent was obtained from all participants. The results were collated and analysed. Results: In relation to the insulin passport card, 88% thought it useful to record the dose of insulin they take, 93% could read the card, 83% considered it useful to help ensure the safe use of insulin, 78% agreed to complete it themselves, 95% would carry it on their person, 93% would bring it into hospital, 83% would show it to a healthcare professional when issued a
prescription and 78% would show it to a pharmacist when receiving a supply of insulin. In relation to the information booklet, 90% deemed it easy to read, 78% found it helpful, 65% indicated it made them more aware of potential errors with insulin and 50% said they would be more inclined to check the insulin supplied by pharmacists or confirm the dose to be administered by a nurse. Conclusion: The majority of patients were satisfied with the insulin passport card and considered it to be a useful document to help optimise their insulin management. After reading the information booklet patients felt more aware of potential errors with insulin.
