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This page is an AI-assisted Turkish summary of the study presented at the 26th World Congress of Psychiatry. The study belongs to the presenting authors; please refer to the original source when citing it.

EV1071

Assessment of nurses’ knowledge of hypoglycemia management in a psychiatric care setting: a clinical audit

ASSESSMENT OF NURSES’ KNOWLEDGE OF HYPOGLYCEMIA MANAGEMENT IN A PSYCHIATRIC CARE SETTING: A CLINICAL AUDIT

While nurses demonstrate good knowledge of hypoglycemia recognition and the management of mild cases, substantial knowledge gaps remain in the definition and classification of hypoglycemia and the use of hypoglycemia kits, particularly glucagon dosing and route of administration.

The study aimed to assess knowledge of hypoglycemia recognition and management among nurses working in a residential psychiatric care unit (RCC2, Residential Community Compound), determine their ability to use hypoglycemia kits and administer glucagon, and compare current practice with approved protocols. The study used a descriptive clinical audit design, with 34 nurses completing a 10-item structured questionnaire covering definition, symptoms, risk factors, management, and monitoring. Each correct answer was awarded 1 point, and responses were compared against protocol standards. The mean score was 7.6/10 (range 3–10, standard deviation 2.0), with an overall accuracy rate of 76%. Results by domain were as follows: level 1 hypoglycemia management, 97%; symptoms, 91%; risk factors, 91%; awareness of emergency referral, 91%; repeat blood glucose measurement at 15 minutes, 85%; indication for glucagon, 74%; level 2 threshold, 65%; correct glucagon dose, 57%; glucagon route of administration, 51%; and correct definition of hypoglycemia, 50%. Performance was strong in the management of mild hypoglycemia, symptoms, risk factors, and referral awareness; priority gaps were concentrated in definition, classification, and kit use. The post-audit action plan includes targeted training and individual feedback, placing quick-reference cards alongside hypoglycemia kits, monthly drills for severe hypoglycemia management, and a repeat audit within 8–12 weeks. The clinical implication is that targeted training focused on glucagon dosing and route of administration is necessary to ensure the safety of patients with diabetes in psychiatric settings.

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