IV push policy: the economic effects of IV drug administration guidelines

The economic effect of two hospital policy revisions concerning the administration of IV push injections was studied. Changes in IV piggyback (IVPB) volume, along with material and personnel costs for IVPB and IV push administration, were used to estimate the economic impact of the policy revision for three 5-month periods. The first policy revision restricted th use of IV push administration by registered nurses on medical and surgical wards and resulted in increased IVPB volume and increased costs to the hospital. The second revision allowed registered nurses on the wards a more extensive list of drugs for IV push, which reversed the cost increases seen with the original policy revision. Study methods and data are presented. IV administration policies may have a significant effect on costs to the pharmacy and the hospital, and P & T Committees will need to consider these issues when determining policy.