The impact of infusion systems on the medical field is unparalleled. For over fifty years, IV pumps have enabled physicians to achieve nearly 100% bioavailability on the intravenous route of administration. The precise dose delivery system reduces errors prevalent in traditional gravity IVs. Adoption of the Dose Error Reduction System (DERS) allows hospitals to monitor medication administration, thereby improving overall patient care and clinician productivity. Here are five ways infusion systems can lead to better healthcare.

Reduce medication errors

Smart infusion pumps containing pre-programmed drug libraries play a vital role in reducing medical errors. Over 80% of U.S. hospitals use smart pumps to deliver medications and fluids to patients. DERS software allows nurses to set the duration and flow rate for each patient.

Proper programming of IV pumps reduces the risk of human error during flow math. Safety features installed on the pump alert nurses to problems during infusion. These "smart" pumps provide troubleshooting advice to help correct and eliminate critical errors.

Improve interoperability

Smart technology allows you to merge disparate systems within a hospital to create an integrated closed-loop system. This integration of various hospital technologies helps improve patient safety, nursing and pharmacy productivity, and overall care within the hospital. Wireless connectivity enhances the interconnected system management of electronic medical records (EMR), barcoded medication management (BCMA) and infusion pump software. The use of an integrated system provides efficient medication dispensing and patient monitoring during infusion.

custom software

You can configure the Smart Infusion Pump to match your facility's unique application. Different types of IV pumps are used in nearly every part of a hospital—from the ICU to the operating room, neonatal unit, and emergency room. Wireless connectivity allows your pharmacy to update the drug library to meet the needs and requirements of various departments. Regular updates on available medicines in hospitals allow healthcare facilities to effectively budget for their medicines. A recent study showed that 67% of nurses who regularly use smart IV pumps agree that the latest drug library maximizes the efficiency of the infusion system.

Improve patient safety

Modern infusion pumps allow precise dose delivery at accurate flow rates. Keep in mind that most drugs given intravenously are high alert drugs, so extra care needs to be taken when monitoring infusions. Any over- or under-infusion can be catastrophic for critically ill patients. Smart technology used in conjunction with trained healthcare professionals is critical in medication management.

Save time and money

The infusion system increases nurse productivity by saving time during the initiation and programming of IV sets. Smart Infusion allows you to access a drug library to quickly fill patients with prescription drugs. In addition, the precise dosing of modern IV systems through smart infusion systems helps reduce waste of medications and IV fluids.

In summary

Infusion systems can significantly improve your ability to maximize the quality of patient care within the hospital. If you need a smart pump, contact Olsen Medical to learn more about how to improve your facility's performance.