The impact of using an intravenous workflow management system (IVWMS) on cost and patient safety.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the financial costs associated with wasted and missing doses before and after the implementation of an intravenous workflow management system (IVWMS) and to quantify the number and the rate of detected intravenous (IV) preparation errors.

Method: A retrospective analysis of the sample hospital information system database was conducted using three months of data before and after the implementation of an IVWMS System (DoseEdge) which uses barcode scanning and photographic technologies to track and verify each step of the preparation process. The financial impact associated with wasted and missing >IV doses was determined by combining drug acquisition, labor, accessory, and disposal costs.

Risk factors for i.v. compounding errors when using an automated workflow management system.

Purpose: Results of a study to determine the frequency of and risk factors for errors in automated compounding of i.v. medication doses at a pediatric hospital are presented.

Reducing risk of harm from extravasation: a 3-tiered evidence-based list of pediatric peripheral intravenous infusates.

Extravasation of medications during peripheral intravenous (PIV) therapy can result in harm to pediatric patients. These medications have physical and/or biologic factors that cause tissue damage. To assist in clinical decisions when using these infusates, an evidence-based table of medications stratified by their relative risk of causing harm if extravasated was developed.