Medication safety through nursing-pharmacy collaborative management of smart infusion pump technology: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Background: Medication errors remain a significant challenge in healthcare, with intravenous (IV) administration being particularly prone to mistakes. The introduction of smart infusion pump technology aims to enhance medication safety by mitigating these errors through advanced programming and alerts.Methods: This review synthesizes literature from 2000 to 2018, utilizing databases such as Scopus, PUBMED, and Web of Science. Studies were selected based on their focus on smart pump technology, including its benefits and challenges in clinical practice. Metrics assessed included error rates, adherence to drug libraries, and the effectiveness of Dose Error Reduction Systems (DERS).Results: The evidence indicates that smart infusion pumps can reduce medication administration errors significantly, with some studies reporting an 80% decrease in infusion-related mistakes. Implementation of smart pump technology in critical care settings has averted numerous potential adverse events. However, challenges remain, including alert fatigue, compliance with drug libraries, and the need for continuous staff education to maximize efficacy.Conclusion: While smart infusion pump technology has demonstrated potential to improve medication safety, its effectiveness is contingent on proper integration within healthcare systems. Ongoing education, regular updates to drug libraries, and strategies to mitigate alert fatigue are essential for optimizing the benefits of this technology. Future research should focus on enhancing the usability and integration of smart pumps in diverse healthcare settings to further minimize medication errors.