Time–Motion Analysis of Nurses Utilizing Insulin Pen Devices Compared to Vial and Syringe in an Inpatient Setting:

Objective:To compare the time taken and steps completed by nurses in the process of insulin preparation and administration using the pen device compared to the vial and syringe method.Methods:Observational and exploratory study utilizing a time–motion analysis of nurses’ administration of insulin using the pen versus vial and syringe delivery methods. Nurses were observed, video-recorded, and timed during insulin preparation and administration using each delivery method. The steps performed by nurses were observed against recommended processes for preparing and administering insulin, and the percentage of nurses completing each step was noted.Results:A total of 137 (94%) nurses participated. Nurses took less time preparing and administering insulin with the pen device compared with the vial and syringe method (79 ± 18 seconds vs 88 ± 20 seconds, respectively, P < .001). The overall average completion rate of steps with the pen device was 90% ± 7% compared to 88% ± 7% with the vial and syringe method.Concl...