Background: In a 432 bed regional hospital, approximately 30% are consistently occupied by people with diabetes. Demand for diabetes education (DE) is increasing. Thus, sustaining DE services is a major challenge.

Aim: To identify characteristics of DE inpatient referrals; timeliness of the DE response and determine inpatient DE needs.

Method: A prospective audit of inpatient referrals for DE was undertaken between January and April 2012; using a standardised referral and data collection form. Data collected included reason for inpatient referral, clinical profile, education provided and service-related outcomes.

Results: 178 referrals were received; age range 2 - 92 years; mean 55.56 years.
The majority of these referrals were from the medical staff 52% (n=93), nursing staff 45% (n=80) and the remainder from patient/family 3% (n=5). One hundred and seventy one were adults and 7 were children. All patients were seen within 24 hours of being referred. An average of one hour was spent with each patient, with the exception of paediatric patients, whose consultations averaged just over three hours per patient.
Approximately 59% of referrals were insulin-related: 40% for administration technique/regimen changes and 19% concerned insulin initiation. Those requiring a change to their administration technique or regimen were seen on average for 45 minutes, whilst those patients new to insulin required a minimum 90 minute consultation. 14% of referrals were related to diabetes in pregnancy and required significantly shorter consultation times: 20 minutes per patient.

Conclusion: Most referrals were for middle aged patients, related to insulin related education and were seen within 24 hours. The DE provided education according to the individual patient need.