Multicentre quality improvement initiative to improve patient education and safety in the prescription of Sodium-Glucose transporter 2 inhibitors

Background: Sodium-Glucose Transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors provide both cardiorenal and metabolic benefits but have several adverse side effects. Effective patient education is critical to ensure safe use and patient compliance. This project aimed to assess and address gaps in patient knowledge about SGLT2-inhibitors. Methods and results: This quality improvement project was conducted in two tertiary and one district general hospitals in the UK in patients who had been prescribed SGLT2-inhibitors for either diabetes or heart failure. Initially, 100 patients were surveyed on their understanding of SGLT2-inhibitor use, including awareness of indications and side-effects. A patient information leaflet was developed in collaboration with the community pharmacy team and distributed to patients. Six months later, a follow-up survey of 54 patients evaluated their confidence in medication use and knowledge of adverse effects. The initial survey revealed: 70% were unaware of their medication, 12% had read the manufacturer’s information, 5% were aware of sick-day rules and 12% recognised the risk of UTIs. Diabetic patients demonstrated low awareness of the risk of euglycaemic ketoacidosis (11%) and foot complications (5.6%). Diabetic patients also had higher hospitalisation rates due to drug-related adverse effects. 98% of patients agreed that receiving information about side effects was important. Postintervention, 100% of surveyed patients reported confidence in using SGLT2-inhibitors and knowing when to seek medical advice. Conclusion: This initiative demonstrates that patients generally lack knowledge regarding the use of SGLT2-inhibitors. Patient education is crucial in improving understanding and medication compliance. Implementing accessible supplemental resources can enhance continued compliance and safety.