Pharmacists are the experts in medicines, however we have lost touch with the handling of intravenous medicines. My role was new to the Trust; which I was able to further develop beyond the scope of updating and maintaining the smart pump drug libraries to shape the specialist Pharmacist role for the safe handling of intravenous medicines across the organization.

 

St Georges University Hospitals introduced the use of Smart Pumps (Intravenous infusion pumps with pre-configured libraries) in 2009, utilising the Dose Error Reduction Software (DERS) to set administration dose limits, to aid safe administration of intravenous medicines. The primary aims of the project I lead and manage were to replace our current fleet of non Wi-Fi volumetric and syringe infusion pumps; with new Wi-Fi models and update/ develop the content of the smart pump drug libraries. After reviewing the current structure within the organisation, I developed governance procedures and managed the risk for smart pumps, including newly introduced clinical risk by NHS digital. Furthermore, I focused on the handling of IV medications, which led to the update of the injectables medicines policy and the vital project for the flushing of IV medications to administer the total prescribed dose.

 

This project is a great example of pharmacists utilisig their clinical skills, knowledge and position within a NHS organisation, combined with their presence in the MDT to lead and manage both operationally and clinically a Trustwide project to promote and improve patient care and safety.