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Development and implementation of a pediatric/neonatal i.v. syringe pump delivery system
Insights
A new pediatric syringe pump system improves intravenous medication administration for neonates and children. This standardized approach enhances patient care, reduces drug waste, and enables reliable therapeutic drug monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pharmacology
- Intravenous drug delivery systems
Background:
- Concentrated intravenous medications pose risks to neonates and children.
- Existing administration methods lacked standardization, hindering effective drug monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a standardized intravenous medication delivery system for pediatric patients.
- To address concerns regarding osmolarity, fluid volumes, and administration procedures in neonates and children.
Main Methods:
- Adapted an adult minibag syringe pump system for pediatric use.
- Developed concentration charts for commonly used drugs.
- Provided staff education on new procedures, including line setup and flushing.
Main Results:
- Achieved uniform administration of aminoglycosides.
- Demonstrated significant improvements in patient care.
- Reduced drug waste and enhanced therapeutic drug monitoring capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The pediatric syringe pump delivery system offers a standardized and safe method for administering intravenous medications.
- Implementation led to better patient outcomes and more efficient drug management.
Abstract:
The potential adverse effects on the neonatal/pediatric population of administering concentrated intravenous medications are a concern. After an adult minibag was successfully converted to a syringe pump system, a similar system for neonates and children was developed. Additional factors considered with this conversion included: osmolarity, fluid volumes, and i.v. administration procedures. Charts that provided information on appropriate final concentrations of commonly used drugs were developed for nursing and pharmacy staffs. Inservice education was given to ensure understanding and compliance with the charts as well as the procedures developed for this delivery system (such as i.v. line setup, flushing procedures, and tubing changes). When this system was implemented, aminoglycosides were administered in a uniform manner. Previously, each area had its own method of aminoglycoside administration, which was not conducive to reliable therapeutic drug monitoring. Significant improvements in patient care, drug waste, and therapeutic drug monitoring resulted from using the pediatric syringe pump delivery system.
