IHI.org - A resource from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement
Header Image






Reduce Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) Involving Narcotics and Sedatives:
Verify Intravenous and Epidural Solution and Flow Rate at Every Shift Change

An incorrect solution bag, flow rate, or pump setting can significantly alter the dose of a medication administered to a patient, resulting in an adverse drug event (ADE). Require staff to verify the solution, dose, flow rate, and pump settings at every shift change and to compare this information to the current medication orders. Both a staff member from the shift that is ending duty and a staff member from the shift that is starting duty should verify the settings.


Tips
  • Use pumps that prevent a free-flow administration of solution.
  • Use only one brand of pump throughout your organization to avoid confusion and programming errors.
  • Remember to verify the settings each time the patient returns from another department or when care is transferred from one staff member to another.
  • Record information about the verification in the patient record.