Improving the Safe Use of Multiple IV Infusions

AAMI Foundation, National Coalition for Infusion Therapy Safety, 2017.

Despite growing awareness of the factors that lead to errors in programming a single intravenous (IV) infusion, minimal research has been conducted into the errors that can result from administering multiple IV infusions to a single patient. The use of multiple IV infusions is often unavoidable, and the complexity of the processes involved in managing these infusions contributes to the risk for medication errors.

Research was conducted by HumanEra, in collaboration with ISMP Canada, and supported by Health Quality Ontario, to better understand the risks associated with multiple IV infusions, with the goal of improving patient safety by reducing the hazards inherent to these processes. The goal of this Quick Guide is to provide actionable strategies and tools for clinicians.

The quick guide can be accessed here.