Not So Sweet: Preoperative Diabetes Screening in the Total Joint Population. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Amber L.; Quatrara, Beth; Miller, Kimberly; Novicoff, Wendy; Calabrese, Nicholas
• Is Part Of: Orthopedic nursing. Volume 41:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 324
• Page End: 332
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Orthopedics -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Orthopedic Nursing -- Periodicals; 616.70231
• DOI: 10.1097/NOR.0000000000000879
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-6020

Abstract

Abstract : Clearly identifying patients with prediabetes and diabetes prior to surgery allows the clinical team to target interventions and reduce the risks of complications. Yet, protocols for preoperative diabetes screening vary. The purpose of this article is to present an evidence-based practice project examining the implementation of preoperative diabetes screening in an elective total joint patient population. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Risk Test was used to assess diabetes risk and guide further testing. A total of 121 patients were screened. Of the sample, 55 were undiagnosed and at risk for diabetes according to the instrument. Twelve patients (21.8%) who screened at risk also revealed elevated fasting blood glucose levels. These patients were identified as potentially having prediabetes. The findings of this project support adoption of the ADA Risk Test in the preoperative setting, emphasize the feasibility of its integration in order to obtain valuable patient information, and assist with optimizing patients for surgery.