Pharmacy-initiated implementation of a syringe pump infusion system

The approach taken by a pharmacy department of a 310-bed community hospital to evaluate and implement a syringe infusion pump system is described. The cost of the minibag system used by the hospital was compared with the cost of the syringe system. A trial of the system involving three medications was implemented in two patient-care areas. After a six-week period, nurses favored expansion of the new system. After a detailed cost comparison was presented to hospital administration, hospitalwide conversion to the new system was approved. Groups of drugs were gradually added to the dispensing list. At the end of a five-month period, 80% of secondary intravenous medications were administered via the new system. Advice is offered to other hospitals considering the system. A smooth transition to a syringe infusion system was the result of the well-planned approach.