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Interdisciplinary committee on infusion-control devices: managing product use
E B Donnelly1, K W Witte, G LaPlume
1Hospital Pharmacy Services, University of Illinois Hospital, Chicago 60612.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|March 1, 1988
Summary
An interdisciplinary committee improved infusion-control device (ICD) management by addressing device shortages and repair delays. This enhanced patient care and increased hospital revenue by over $247,000 annually.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Inefficiencies in infusion-control device (ICD) management led to device shortages, repair delays, and lost revenue in a university hospital.
- Existing systems lacked coordinated oversight, resulting in inappropriate device use and financial losses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and implementation of an interdisciplinary approach for managing infusion-control devices (ICDs).
- To resolve issues including untimely repairs, device shortages, inappropriate use, and lost charges associated with ICDs.
Main Methods:
- Formation of an interdisciplinary ICD committee involving pharmacy, nursing, bioinstrumentation, and materiel management.
- Development of guidelines for appropriate ICD use and new policies for device repair and billing.
- Implementation of joint control of the ICD program by pharmacy and nursing departments.
Main Results:
- Improved turnaround time for ICD repairs.
- Increased availability of ICDs for patient use.
- Annual increase in charge capture by $247,000, indicating reduced lost revenue.
Conclusions:
- An interdisciplinary, collaborative approach significantly enhances the efficiency of infusion-control device management.
- Joint control by pharmacy and nursing departments optimizes device distribution, collection, and financial recovery.
- The implemented strategies led to improved operational efficiency and substantial financial gains.