FAQs about DEKODE

What is DEKODE?

DEKODE is a cloud-based performance feedback model that helps hospitals monitor and improve diabetes emergency care through centralized data collection and analysis.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to participate. DEKODE is a free initiative aimed at improving patient care through collaborative learning.

Is participation mandatory?

No, participation is voluntary. However, DEKODE is recommended by NHS GIRFT and ABCD as a national audit for diabetes emergencies, offering valuable insights for hospitals.

How does DEKODE compare to the National Diabetes Inpatient Audit (NaDIA)?

NaDIA provides broad trends on inpatient diabetes complications but does not offer detailed insights into individual hospital performance. DEKODE complements NaDIA by offering more granular data, enabling hospitals to track and improve specific aspects of DKA management.

How much time does it take to participate?

Data collection typically takes a few hours per month, depending on the hospital’s caseload. Resident doctors and students can take the lead, ensuring minimal disruption to clinical workloads while fulfilling their training and audit requirements.

Can we stop participating if we need to?

Yes. Participation is flexible—you can join or leave at any time. However, continuous engagement provides more meaningful insights and long-term benefits.

Does DEKODE require extra administrative work?

No. DEKODE simplifies data collection by handling analysis centrally. Local teams only need to collect and submit data, reducing the burden on clinicians.

Will our hospital’s performance be publicly shared?

No. All feedback is pseudonymized and shared privately with your team. National-level data is presented in an aggregated format, ensuring anonymity while still allowing hospitals to learn from broader trends.

What if we are concerned about the time commitment?

We understand that consultants have busy schedules. However, resident doctors and medical students can take the lead in data collection as part of their audits and QI projects. This provides them with a valuable learning experience in clinical research, data analysis, and quality improvement while supporting the hospital’s efforts to enhance care.

How does DEKODE benefit hospitals?

• Helps identify areas for improvement and supports data-driven decision-making.

• Provides evidence to justify resource allocation, such as additional staff or services.

• Enhances adherence to national guidelines and improves patient outcomes.

How does DEKODE benefit consultants?

• Provides real-time insights into diabetes emergency care within your hospital.

• Reduces the administrative burden of traditional audits by handling data analysis centrally.

• Enables more efficient quality improvement efforts and better patient care.

How does DEKODE benefit resident doctors and medical students?

• Provides hands-on experience in clinical audit, quality improvement, and real-world data analysis.

• Offers opportunities to lead meaningful projects that contribute to patient safety and guideline adherence.

• Supports career progression through conference presentations, publications, and academic recognition.

• Helps fulfill training requirements for audits and QIPs, making it a valuable addition to portfolios.

• Allows collaboration on scientific publications and learning principles of implementation science.

How frequently do we receive feedback from DEKODE?

Feedback is shared every three months, allowing hospitals to track progress over time and make informed decisions to improve care.

Can DEKODE support QIP initiatives?

Absolutely. DEKODE’s feedback provides hospitals with real-time insights that can guide QI interventions and track their effectiveness over time.

Does DEKODE help with guideline adherence?

Yes. DEKODE monitors compliance with national guidelines and acts as an early warning system for potential issues, helping hospitals implement improvements proactively.

Can DEKODE help justify requests for additional staff or resources?

Yes. DEKODE data provides objective evidence of gaps in care, helping hospitals advocate for additional nursing, medical, or administrative support to enhance inpatient diabetes management.

Is there support available if we need help with data collection or interpretation?

Yes. The DEKODE team provides guidance, resources, and support to ensure a smooth data collection and feedback process.

Can DEKODE data be used for research or publications?

Yes, provided appropriate governance approvals are in place. DEKODE has already contributed to national-level publications, and participating teams have opportunities to co-author research papers and present findings at conferences.