I just did something that I will probably find out is how 90% of you already solved this problem, but if not, let me share:
The problem is getting data from the patient and the home glucose monitor that is in any sense of the word "useful". I don't want the 35 page printout from the obsessive/compulsives who have a glucose meter with a computer interface and software that lists data from thousands of readings over months, and has colored pie charts, bar graphs, and hand written margin notes, (decorated with drops of the patients blood).
I want a snap shot of what is going on. For years I have sent home a hand out, (printed from the orders in AC) that explains what I want and has room for the numbers from ONE DAY for AC and HS. So simple, ? but not. 80% of the time the patients bring back all sorts of OTHER DATA. 10 minutes after eating, or they only eat twice a day, or they eat ?supper? not dinner. (Whatever..)
So at the same time I have wanted to have various things as a PDF available as a template for this sort of problem.
SO: I made a .pdf printout of an Excel Sheet with Glucose vs 24 hours and stored it in our Fax-inbox on the server in a folder called, ?patient forms? where my clever staff keep the blank originals for the MMSE and stuff like that. So I import the BLANK form to the patients imported items, print a copy and put todays date on it, and send him home to record any dam numbers he wants, AC PC HS, before showering, walking the dog, WHATEVER. Just put a dot on this ONE page EVERY time you record a number, ( the more sophisticated patients will be asked to put an X for readings that are after meals). I expect to get back a sheet with one to three months of readings, and a fairly legible curve that will let me increase the morning or evening dose, or recognize (when combined with the HgBA1C) when we need to go to mealtime bolus.
I will let you all know if it works out. (if it is a dud, I will insist my XP machine was hacked and I didn?t post this.)
