Reduction in Variation of IntravenousDrug Administration in Seventeen San DiegoHospitals With Standardized DrugConcentrations and Dosage Units

摘要

County.Methods: The San Diego Patient Safety Consortium Task Force comprised representatives from adult hospitals. The first step was a survey of concentration standards;dosage units for the most common;highest-risk IV medications in use at all sites. Survey results were compared with manufacturers' recommendations;reference materials. A Delphi decision-making process was used to determine final drug concentration;dosage units for each drug.Results: Survey results showed more than concentrations used for drugs. Nine of these were high-risk medications;for which different concentrations were identified. With the exception of magnesium sulfate for nonobstetric use;a single concentration was developed for each medication;resulting in a greater than % reduction in variation from concentration standards. A single concentration standard was developed for each high-risk medication;resulting in a % reduction in variation. A single dosage unit standard was developed for all medications reviewed;resulting in a % reduction in variation. Of the hospitals;were assessed for adoption of the standards. Of these hospitals;adoption of concentrations standards ranged from .% to %;adoption of dosage units ranged from .% to %.Conclusion: County-wide standardization of high-risk IV drug concentrations;dosage units reduces variability in IV therapy;which can help promote safer;more consistent practices in IV medication administration. It is expected that standardization will decrease the potential for medication errors within hospitals;on patient transfer to other health care facilities.