Authors' recommendations: Errors occur during common tasks associated with administering and managing multiple IV infusions. However, improvements to best practices, infusion system technologies, and education can help reduce many of these risks by addressing a gradual misalignment of practices, technology, and education. In the short term, supporting clinicians via targeted education, standard best practices, and bedside clinical decision support can improve the identification and completion of some task requirements. In the longer term, innovation is needed to minimize the routine and person-dependent tasks that are currently required to administer multiple IV infusions. Still, given the complexity of this practice, even with improved technology the safe administration of multiple IV infusions will likely always require user vigilance. (51) Addressing the issues and implementing the recommendations identified in this report will require the sustained commitment and alignment of all stakeholders. However, with collective action based on evidence, improvements to the administration and management of multiple IV infusions—and thus patient safety—are obtainable and must be a priority.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2014

URL for published report: http://www.hqontario.ca/Portals/0/Documents/eds/ohtas/full-report-phase2b-mivi-140505-en.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Health Quality Ontario

Contact Address: Evidence Development and Standards, Health Quality Ontario, 130 Bloor Street West, 10th floor, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5S 1N5

Contact Name: EDSinfo@hqontario.ca

Contact Email: OH-HQO_hta-reg@ontariohealth.ca

Copyright: Health Quality Ontario