Hi,
Just wondering what other facilities are doing. We are updating our infusion therapy guidelines and historically it has been part of our policy to use infusion pumps with all CVADs. I think the theory is that if an infusion bag runs dry that it increases the risk of catheter occlusion. We cannot find this recommendation in the standards, but see that many facilities have this in their policies. Interested to hear what others are doing and if there is any evidence to support this.
Diane Jack
There is a standard on Flow Control Devices but it does not include electronic infusion pumps for all CVAD. There are many situations and criteria for when a pump is used. Plus, a few months ISMP released a new set of guidelines on smart pumps that you might want to locate.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861