Implementation of IV Pump Integration into Hazardous Drug Administration

Huntsman Cancer Hospital is a NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center at the University of Utah Health that administers chemotherapy in outpatient and inpatient settings. In 2016, this project was initiated to incorporate IV pump integration with chemotherapy administration. The project faced many challenges including: Varied nursing workflows Incongruence between nursing and pharmacy workflow. Limitations with EMR The wide variation in nursing practices was identified as a patient safety risk. Although all processes were safe, the variation in practice created opportunities for error and did not support a unified effort. A plan was identified to standardize administration, preparation, and handling of chemotherapy and other hazardous drugs across the health care organization. Standardization of practice would facilitate implementation of IV pump integration and USP 800 compliance.