RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The frequency of intravenous medication administration errors related to smart infusion pumps: a multihospital observational study JF BMJ Quality & Safety JO BMJ Qual Saf FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 131 OP 140 DO 10.1136/bmjqs-2015-004465 VO 26 IS 2 A1 Schnock, Kumiko O A1 Dykes, Patricia C A1 Albert, Jennifer A1 Ariosto, Deborah A1 Call, Rosemary A1 Cameron, Caitlin A1 Carroll, Diane L A1 Drucker, Adrienne G A1 Fang, Linda A1 Garcia-Palm, Christine A A1 Husch, Marla M A1 Maddox, Ray R A1 McDonald, Nicole A1 McGuire, Julie A1 Rafie, Sally A1 Robertson, Emilee A1 Saine, Deb A1 Sawyer, Melinda D A1 Smith, Lisa P A1 Stinger, Kristy Dixon A1 Vanderveen, Timothy W A1 Wade, Elizabeth A1 Yoon, Catherine S A1 Lipsitz, Stuart A1 Bates, David W YR 2017 UL http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/26/2/131.abstract AB Introduction Intravenous medication errors persist despite the use of smart pumps. This suggests the need for a standardised methodology for measuring errors and highlights the importance of identifying issues around smart pump medication administration in order to improve patient safety.Objectives We conducted a multisite study to investigate the types and frequency of intravenous medication errors associated with smart pumps in the USA.Methods 10 hospitals of various sizes using smart pumps from a range of vendors participated. Data were collected using a prospective point prevalence approach to capture errors associated with medications administered via smart pumps and evaluate their potential for harm.Results A total of 478 patients and 1164 medication administrations were assessed. Of the observed infusions, 699 (60%) had one or more errors associated with their administration. Identified errors such as labelling errors and bypassing the smart pump and the drug library were predominantly associated with violations of hospital policy. These types of errors can result in medication errors. Errors were classified according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP). 1 error of category E (0.1%), 4 of category D (0.3%) and 492 of category C (excluding deviations of hospital policy) (42%) were identified. Of these, unauthorised medication, bypassing the smart pump and wrong rate were the most frequent errors.Conclusion We identified a high rate of error in the administration of intravenous medications despite the use of smart pumps. However, relatively few errors were potentially harmful. The results of this study will be useful in developing interventions to eliminate errors in the intravenous medication administration process.