Healthcare Industry News: infusion system
News Release - May 22, 2007
Study Results Indicate Smart Pump Technology Combined with Evidence-Based Protocols Reduce Infusion-Related Medication Events
BETHLEHEM, Pa.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--A 2006 study conducted by Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, utilizing B. Braun Medical Inc.'s Outlook® Safety infusion system and DoseTrac(TM) Safety Infusion Analysis Services, shows significant reductions in infusion-related medication events.The study, conducted from January through April 2006, collected data from a random sample of 36 of the 275 pumps implemented in designated departments. Working together, B. Braun and Lutheran Medical evaluated the first three months of usage to develop a full picture of events, including dose alerts (attempts to program outside the limits), overrides (doses outside the limits that were accepted) and potential errors (doses that were rejected). Rosanne Raso, RN, MS, CNAA, senior vice president for nursing services at Lutheran Medical Center, and one of the study coordinators, said Lutheran Medical Center was pleased to find only two of the 2,536 doses represented averted medication events. "This was fewer than we expected, indicating a very low incidence of manual programming error associated with this infusion device," said Raso. "Our results gave us confidence in the smart-pump technology, our dosing protocols and the dosing practices of our clinicians."
The data revealed that of 2,536 total doses, 78 dose alerts occurred. A majority of those alerts (78 percent) were overridden; that is, the dose was accepted. Sixty-nine percent of the overridden alerts were below the preprogrammed limit and associated with titrating to patient effect or weaning off the drug.
Clinical analysis and interpretation of the dosing alerts enabled Lutheran Medical to classify the different types of overrides and corrections so it could identify medication events and adjust practices for best outcomes.
Overall, Lutheran Medical experienced a significant reduction in infusion-related medication events after implementing the smart-pump technology and the evidence-based protocols it developed as part of the study, from a total of seven events in 2005 to three in 2006--a 57 percent decrease.
Raso said Lutheran Medical learned that the success of a large technology conversion rests not only on the hospital's teamwork and commitment, but also on the commitment of the vendor to provide comprehensive services and programs. "B. Braun supported us with round-the-clock education and technical support, customized training materials, continuing education and data analysis support," said Raso.
Gale White, Vice President of infusion systems at B. Braun, said the company worked with Lutheran Medical to provide expertise in examining the data, identifying outcome data and trends and dissecting that information. "We were able to help Lutheran Medical more quickly and easily gather outcome data and trends associated with drug dosing, potential errors and practice-specific events," said White. "That adds up to measurable patient safety improvements today and a system designed to expand with their future needs."
About B. Braun
Since its founding in 1839, B. Braun has built an unparalleled store of knowledge and expertise in delivering innovative healthcare products, medical devices and programs that enhance working processes in hospitals, alternate care settings and medical practices--increasing safety for patients, doctors and nurses. Its 33,000 employees worldwide are proud of their commitment to translating customer needs into products with unmatched quality, superior technology, cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility.
Through its "Sharing Expertise®" initiative, B. Braun promotes best practices for continuous improvement of healthcare products and services. For more information about B. Braun or its safety healthcare products, call 800-854-6851, email us at inquiry@bbraun.com or visit B. Braun at www.bbraunusa.com.
Source: B. Braun Medical
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