Standardized neonatal continuous infusion concentrations: A quality improvement initiative

Abstract

Purpose: Medication errors are a significant and preventable source of patient harm, especially in the neonatal population. Standardized infusion concentrations increase patient safety and streamline the workflow for pharmacists, nurses, and physicians.

Methods: Neonatal continuous infusion concentrations were standardized and implemented into the electronic health record using an automated order panel. Pre- and postimplementation data were collected to assess the impact of this quality improvement initiative. The primary endpoint was the proportion of neonatal intensive care unit infusion orders that were compatible with "bolus from infusion" functionality in the syringe pump.

Results: Before implementation, only 40% of eligible infusions were compatible with the "bolus from infusion" function, compared to 93% after implementation (P < 0.00001). Within the syringe pump, the ratio of total options to the number of concentrations per medication was reduced by 31%.

Conclusion: Implementation of an order panel with defaulted standard infusion concentration selection improved workflow and optimized technology in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Keywords: infusion pumps; intravenous infusions; medical order entry systems; neonatal nurses; neonatology; pharmacists.