Unlocking Diabetes Care: How Tech is Bringing Data Together

Managing type 1 diabetes in kids is no easy task. But new tech like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps is making a difference. The problem? Data from these devices often gets trapped in separate systems. This makes it tough for doctors to get the full story. A recent effort in Ohio tackled this issue. They combined CGM data from different companies into one electronic health record (EHR). This way, doctors can see all the data in one spot. The project happened at a large children's hospital. They care for about 500, 000 kids. The Diabetes Center there supports around 2, 200 patients and sees 200 new cases each year. The goal was to move from occasional check-ups to constant, proactive care. This means doctors can monitor patients all the time, not just during visits. The team had to figure out how to make this work. They looked at data sources, clinical workflows, and how to keep the integration going. They also thought about how to display the data and manage accounts. In the end, they successfully merged CGM data from three different companies into the EHR. This is a big step because it means doctors can see all the data in one place. But it wasn't simple. Combining data from different vendors took a lot of effort. The team had to map the data and improve workflows. They also had to deal with differences between vendors. The team shared some advice for others who want to do something similar. They said to start by identifying the problem and gathering resources. They also advised negotiating contracts early and celebrating small wins. It's important to be ready for setbacks and keep asking questions. Change management techniques and ongoing monitoring are also key. Bringing CGM data into the EHR is good for both patients and doctors. But it needs a lot of resources. Challenges remain in improving workflows, mapping data, and dealing with vendor differences. Ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and optimization are necessary as technology and workflows evolve.