Impact of computerized orders for pediatric continuous drug infusions on detecting infusion pump programming errors: a simulated study

J Pediatr Nurs. 2010 Apr;25(2):108-18. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2008.10.002. Epub 2009 Apr 8.

Abstract

Continuous infusion medications are associated with fatal adverse events in pediatric intensive care units. The effect of computerized orders on detecting infusion pumps programming errors has never been studied. Using a crossover design, we examined the effect of using computerized orders for continuous infusions as compared with that of using handwritten orders on nurse ability to detect infusion pump programming errors, time required to verify pump settings, and user satisfaction. The computerized orders saved nurses time but did not improve their ability to detect infusion pumps programming errors. Nurses preferred computerized orders. High error rate was related to manual calculations and inconsistent use of computerized orders.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clinical Competence*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusion Pumps / adverse effects*
  • Infusions, Intravenous*
  • Intensive Care Units, Pediatric
  • Male
  • Medical Order Entry Systems*
  • Medication Errors / prevention & control*
  • Medication Errors / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Pediatric Nursing / standards
  • Pediatric Nursing / trends
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Risk Assessment
  • Safety Management
  • Young Adult