Implementing an intensive glucose management initiative: strategies for success.

Glycemic control has become a hallmark for this ICU. Collectively, staff and hospital leaders changed a culture of casual attitudes toward chaotic glycemic control to an evidence-based atmosphere of decreased mortality, which has received local and national recognition. Implementation of a protocol , which seemed radical at the time, showed significant patient outcomes. Characterized by teamwork and education, the process was developed, initiated and continually evaluated for improvement, with a cornerstone of patient safety. The rich database allows for continual analysis of outcomes.