Accident Prevention “Awareness” System for Intravenous Drip Infusion Operations - Construction and Evaluation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate an infusion rate monitoring system (Tritech, Inc.) in a clinical setting and to identify challenges in using the system as an alternative to an infusion pump to prevent inappropriate infusion rates (excessive or insufficient).

The system monitors the infusion rate and sends an alert to the nurse call system if the rate deviates from a preset limit. Unlike infusion pumps, this system does not adjust the infusion rate. A survey was conducted to evaluate the performance of this system in a clinical setting.

The infusion rate monitoring system was installed in 76 patients. Questionnaire responses were received from all 24 nurses involved in the study. Results regarding the usability and specifications of the infusion rate monitoring system showed that 24 (100%) were positive about the size, 23 (96%) about the weight and durability, and 22 (92%) about how the components were attached. The causes of alerts were 54 (35%) for infusion stoppage, 52 (34%) for overinfusion, and 32 (21%) for communication errors. The main causes of communication errors were transfers out of the patient room and transfers to the toilet in the patient room. This was due to the fact that the operating range of the system was 3 m from the receiver. To extend this range, new specifications need to be developed to cover a wider area.