Improving Smart Pump Usage

The common use of intravenous (IV) saline solution did not begin until 1902. IV infusion therapy was improved in the 1930s but was not widely used in the clinical setting until the 1950s. With their increased use various improvements were made to administration sets and nurse practice. The Registered Nurse (RN) is tasked to either receive a mixed infusion solution from pharmacy or formulate the ordered infusion on the unit then administer the same infusion per order. Even with improvements, administration infusion was tedious and subject to error. Prior to the introduction of smart IV pump technology the nurse was responsible for the adjustment of the rate of infusion. Using a wristwatch, the RN would count the number of drips over a minute and adjust the drip rate in accordance with the needed rate based on the order and calculation.

Commonly nurses would run infusions at improper rates causing potential harm to their patients. Various devices have been invented and used in an effort to avoid errors.

Medical infusion pumps have been used in hospitals since 1960s. Since their introduction 30 years ago they could be programmed to administer fluids and medications at any setting within the range of the pump. The pumps would perform as directed but they would not provide warning to caregivers if there were programming errors. With human error a constant issue, a safety net was needed to help prevent potentially serious medication errors. Today, the RN now has access to the use of ‘smart’ IV pump technology. These smart IV pumps contain a pharmacy programmed drug library along with safety guard rails to help ensure proper infusion administration. Although these smart devices are commonplace within the hospital setting, nurses fail at utilizing this technology. In order to gain the best possible outcome for patients, proper administration of medication is vital. The RN’s failure to utilize the smart IV pump technology represents a problem with respect to the quality of care........... Continue