ISMP Publishes New Guidelines for Push IV Meds

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) released a new guide outlining safe practices for adult IV push medications. The report discusses the history of IV medication usage, which dates back to the 1850s, and details risks associated with modern-day push therapy.  

Researchers offered recommendations for safe practices in the following eight areas associated with IV push medication delivery:

1. Acquisition and distribution
2. Aseptic technique
3. Clinician preparation
4. Labeling
5. Clinician administration
6. Drug information resources
7. Competency assessment
8. Error reporting

The report acknowledges that the task of improving the safety of push medication therapy lies not only with frontline staff but with many stakeholders including manufacturers. Authors of the guidelines encourage manufacturers to “provide IV products in the most ready-to-administer form as possible” and to focus more on safety factors during the innovation process for new products and technology.

To download ISMP’s Safe Practice Guidelines for Adult IV Push Medications, click here.