Selection of Iv Technology With Drug Error Reduction System
Abstract
The complexity of current Infusion Therapy technology, which incorporates Drug Error Reduction System (DERS) for tracking, monitoring, and control is becoming the standard for delivery of medication in IV therapy. Integration with existing hospital Information Systems such as Admission Discharge Transfer (ADT) and Pharmacy Systems, along with Risk assessment and analysis on adverse events due to medication errors are expected from health care facilities. The acquisition of this technology requires a clear understanding of both clinical and technical needs of the facility. Without adequate tools, guidance and advice, the process of selecting and implementing this technology can become very expensive and time consuming.
The choice of IV therapy requires close collaboration between healthcare professionals at all levels. Equally, clinicians and nursing staff as the end users, Pharmacy, Risk management, and other disciplines within the organization contribute to the discussion on the acquisition of this technology. Clinical or Biomedical Engineering has a greater role to play in this process. Therefore, there is a need for discussion, collaboration and sharing ideas on how different hospitals are implementing and supporting the technology
This paper discusses the acquisition of IV therapy technology in general, and the process of selection of smart infusion devices with Drug Error Reduction System in particular. It provides the reader with a matrix approach as one of the tools to facilitate the selection of the vendor based on technical specifications. The aim is to open up a discussion within the Clinical and Biomedical engineering community about this technology. Also to share our experience by highlighting some technical and clinical considerations that should be taken into account during the exercise of selecting the required technology for the healthcare facility. A matrix approach based on technical specification is used as a tool to help the project team to compare technologies offered by different vendors.
