This year marked the first time the team participated in Insulin Safety Week (ISW), thanks to new leadership embracing the ethos of the week. Covering a total of 11 sites—including community inpatient hospitals, pharmacies, primary care, community nursing teams, and care homes—the team aimed to improve insulin safety across Bath, Swindon, Wiltshire, and Somerset (BSSW).
Pre-ISW preparations
Before ISW, a comprehensive safety and quality audit was conducted due to a high number of significant insulin-related events across the organisation. This audit identified key focus areas for ISW, including the safe use of technology.
Lunchtime webinars
Throughout ISW, a series of lunchtime webinars were conducted across BSSW, inviting all healthcare professionals. These webinars covered:
Targeted information campaign
A targeted information campaign was executed with the communications team. This involved visiting every ward, community nurse, and primary care base (54 in total) to distribute educational materials and provide interactive Q&A sessions. These sessions also allowed healthcare professionals to gain hands-on experience with diabetes technology devices.
Impact
As a result of these efforts, over 300 healthcare professionals across BSSW were engaged in ISW activities. The webinars and sessions aimed to enhance the safety and efficacy of insulin use in community care, often a neglected area. The activities improved patient outcomes and reduced the risk of insulin and technology errors.