Implementing Smart Pumps to Enhance Patient Safety

摘要

In the report by the Institute of Medicine, safe medication practices must be implemented in patient care.1 Many hospitals routinely review many processes within their organization to identify opportunities for medication improvement. Technology plays a large part in the medication process. There have been numerous technological advances in the process of medication administration such as intravenous (IV) smart pumps. One process that hospitals and organizations may consider reviewing for improvement is implementation and/or optimization of IV smart pump technology. By utilizing smart pumps, safer care for patients may be pro-vided. ' Smart pumps do not eliminate errors; however, they reduce programming mistakes.4 Features of smart pumps may include drug libraries, profiles of care areas, and soft and hard limits.5 When implementing or optimizing an IV smart pump, there are numerous factors to review and consider. Ensuring the success of smart pumps includes drug concentration standardization, monitoring, and identifying improvement opportunities.