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I.v. infusion devices: are they always justified?
Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy
|March 1, 1987
Summary
Electronic infusion devices (EIDs) are costly, with limited evidence showing benefits over roller clamps. Their use should be restricted to situations where EIDs offer clear advantages to manage healthcare expenses.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare economics
- Medical device utilization
- Clinical engineering
Background:
- Electronic infusion devices (EIDs) represent a significant and growing expense in hospitals, costing approximately $1 million annually at the University of Michigan Hospitals.
- Existing research comparing EIDs to less expensive roller clamps is limited, with no clear demonstration of superior clinical benefit for EIDs.
- Infusion pumps, a subset of EIDs, have not been specifically studied in comparison to simpler devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and clinical advantages of electronic infusion devices (EIDs) compared to traditional roller clamps.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for the appropriate utilization of EIDs in hospital settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on EID versus roller clamp comparative studies.
- Analysis of hospital cost data associated with EID procurement and use.
- Assessment of clinical scenarios where EID functionality may be essential.
Main Results:
- Previous studies failed to conclusively prove that EIDs offer significant advantages over roller clamps.
- The substantial cost of EIDs necessitates a critical evaluation of their benefits.
- Lack of specific studies on infusion pumps leaves their comparative value undetermined.
Conclusions:
- The current evidence does not strongly support the widespread use of EIDs over roller clamps.
- Hospital resource allocation should prioritize EID use in specific, clearly advantageous clinical situations.
- Further research is needed to determine the specific benefits of infusion pumps compared to simpler devices.