Improving I.V. Medication Safety in the Intensive, Critical, and Coronary Care Units: Role of the Interprofessional Team- Although both the nature and causes of intravenous (i.v.) medication errors have been well documented in the literature, serious i.v. medication errors continue to occur. With complex drug therapy regimens, along with the high alert environment, i.v. safety becomes especially important in the intensive, critical, and coronary care units. As medication management experts, pharmacists are challenged with developing and implementing safe i.v. handling procedures in their hospital or health-systems. This symposium will highlight national efforts to improve the safety of i.v. medications in intensive, critical, and coronary care units, taking into account the perspectives of health care professionals, government regulatory agencies, accreditation bodies, and other stakeholders. The role of the interprofessional team in implementing safe practices with regard to i.v. therapy will also be discussed. Case studies of best practices aimed at improving patient safety will demonstrate how the use of ready-to-use products can improve patient care.Review national efforts to improve the safe use of i.v. medications.
Describe common i.v. errors and strategies for minimizing them.
Explain the role of the interprofessional team in implementing safe practices with regard to i.v. therapy.
Describe how the use of ready-to-use i.v. products can improve patient safety in the ICU and CCU settings.
2.0 Free CEUs for Pharmacists
Expires 3/1/13