New IVs Implemented
St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York updated delivery of intravenous (IV) drugs with the next generation of IV pumps. The B-Braun Outlook Safety Infusion pumps contain information on drugs and their standard doses that help prevent medication errors. The machines also have wireless technology that transmits information on use of each IV to a central database.
The new equipment is a component of a renewed effort to reduce medication errors. The database within the IV’s computer includes standard doses for a laundry list of medications and can signal an alert if unusual doses are entered. The hospital’s administration hopes to use the system to refine training activities by pinpointing errors.
Related stories:
- Tennessee Medicare Supports Timely Dosing
- HealthGrades Releases Patient Safety Study
- Joint Commission Report Details Hospital Safety and Quality
- Risk of Medication Errors Increases for Surgical Patients
- IOM Publishes Recommendations to Reduce Medication Errors
April 23, 2007 Related topics: New Technology & Innovation, Quality, Safety, Errors
