Intravenous admixture service: implementation of service in a complex ICU patient population

An aggressive IV admixture program in a 600 bed tertiary care teaching institution was implemented. Four intensive care units primarily caring for cardiology patients are the responsibility of a satellite pharmacy, which in January of 1986 began preparation of intravenous infusion medications (IVIMs), commonly referred to as "drip medications." By adopting this service, the pharmacy helped reduce workloads of nursing at a time of increasing demand owing to a rising acuity level of the patient population. The predominance of labor was shifted to less expensive and more available pharmacy technicians. Increased quality control and flexibility in constituents were also achieved. The satellite pharmacists became recognized as "expert" in the compatibility and administration of the IVIMs they prepared expanding their role in the ICU. The service demonstrates the ability of the pharmacy to prepare IV products even under the most critical circumstances.