Discussing the complexities of licensed ready-to-use and ready-to-administer IV products at Hospital Pharmacy Europe’s Virtual Study Day on IV medicines safety, Alan Timmins asks whether a price can be put on safety. Here, you have exclusive access to the session recording.
Intravenous (IV) products are often supplied in a form that’s far from optimal for healthcare professionals to prepare administer. The transfer of a drug from a small glass bottle, ampule or vial to an intravenous line, which may also require reconstitution or other preparation at the bedside, is by no means a straightforward – or safe – process.
The introduction of licensed ready-to-use and ready-to-administer IV products offers considerable benefit, including the reduction of errors and improving efficiencies, but there are also challenges to consider and overcome.
Alan Timmins is a consultant critical care pharmacist at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, part of NHS Fife, and has had a long interest in intravenous (IV) therapy, related safety issues and IV stewardship. He champions the role of pharmacists in driving change and embracing innovation to reduce errors and ensure patient safety and works with the International Fluid Academy and Turning the Tide – a UK charity committed to making the use of IV fluids safer.
In this session, he provides an overview of licensed ready-to-use and ready-to-administer IV products, including their differences, impact on medication safety and efficiency of administration. He also focuses on cost-benefit considerations, challenges in implementation, and real-world examples of improved patient safety through the adoption of these innovations.
Extend your learning on IV medicines safety and more
Watch more IV medicines safety Virtual Study Day sessions via our On-demand learning zone, including another session from Alan on IV fluid essentials from bag to bedside.
You can also find brand new interviews, case studies, research round-ups, news and much more content to inspire your practice in our medicines safety and pharmacy practice zones.
Watch this space as more Hospital Pharmacy Europe Virtual Study Days will be announced soon.
