Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center received notification July 10 that it became the first inpatient diabetes program in the United States to earn a Certificate of Distinction for Advanced Inpatient Diabetes Care from The Joint Commission, the national organization that accredits healthcare organizations across the United States.

“What this certification means for patients with diabetes is that Desert Springs Hospital meets rigorous standards to control patient blood-sugar levels while they are hospitalized; regardless of whether they are hospitalized for diabetes complications or another reason,” said Joyce Malaskovitz, PhD, RN, and Director of the Diabetes Treatment Center at Desert Springs. “While this may seem like common sense, it is difficult to maintain blood-sugar levels when patients are fighting infections, stressed or on certain medications.”

Desert Springs uses special tools to maintain tight blood-sugar control during patient hospitalizations such as the Glucommander — a computer that works with an insulin drip to monitor patients’ blood-sugar levels.

“We sought certification for our organization because we want to demonstrate our commitment to patient safety and quality care,” said Sam Kaufman, CEO/Managing Director Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center. “We view obtaining Joint Commission certification as another step in clinical excellence.”

Obtaining the inpatient diabetes certification was not easy. It required all employees — from housekeepers and admitting clerks to nurses and technicians – to understand the basics of diabetes and symptoms of low blood-sugar levels, which can be similar to those of an intoxicated person.

“Desert Springs Hospital had to meet rigorous standards established by The Joint Commission and the American Diabetes Association,” said Dr. Fred Toffel, endocrinologist and Medical Director of the Diabetes Treatment Center at Desert Springs Hospital. “The Diabetes Treatment Center's outpatient education program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for 16 years for meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. This new certification is recognition of our advancements and commitment to high-quality care.”

According to The Joint Commission, the new certification for advanced inpatient diabetes care “recognizes hospitals that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes across all inpatient settings.”

“Achieving advanced certification demonstrates a commitment by Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center to promote safe quality care. Through systematic monitoring of all diabetic patients, outcomes can be improved. This will lead to a better quality of life for diabetic patients,” said Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q., Executive Director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission.

The Joint Commission has certified diabetes programs for some time, but launched the advanced inpatient diabetes certification in July 2006. The Joint Commission worked closely with the American Diabetes Association to establish extensive protocols that will lead to better outcomes for patients with diabetes regardless of their reason for admission.