Smart Use of the SMART Pump!

Purpose:
The purpose of this presentation is to describe how the nursing shared governance of this organization overcame barriers and helped RNs to “get SMART” and promote safe, effective use of the SMART Pump Drug Library.

Significance:
Enhancing patient safety includes intravenous medication administration. Expecting nurses to remember all drug dosing limits is unrealistic. The technology of the SMART Pumps assists in assuring patient safety. Reports that the technology is bypassed and considered to take too much time is common.

Strategy and Implementation:
This information prompted us to “get smart” utilizing the Nursing Quality Committee to develop a workgroup with direct care nursing representation from every unit. Within weeks, the Nursing Quality Committee workgroup developed an implementation plan and accomplished: • Drafting a policy to support the use of the SMART Pump Drug Library • Developing a unit specific audit for measurable outcomes • Identifying accountable behaviors addressing the implications of using technology for delivery of safe patient care • Reviewing the use of the SMART Pump Drug Library reports at the clinical care area and unit level • Setting threshold expectations of the use of the SMART Pump Drug Library

Evaluation:
Evaluation of the use of the SMART Pump Drug Library includes: • SMART Pump Drug Library reports drilled down to the clinical care area and individual RN • Unit action plans developed and implemented as needed. Guidance from our Nursing Quality committee enabled smart use of the SMART pump!

Implications for Practice:
Successful implementation of the SMART pump technology requires a commitment from multiple departments and disciplines. Hospital-wide policy, organizational processes, and unit-based audits must be evaluated to ensure that they are congruent with the hospitals safety goals.