Nursing

Intensive care medicine

Infusion therapy

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Emergency medicine

Health care

Patient safety

Adverse effect

Computer security

Virology

Risk assessment

Personal protective equipment

Economics

Computer science

Medical emergency

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Outbreak

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Staffing

Political science

Infectious disease (medical specialty)

Internal medicine

MEDLINE

Coronavirus Infections

Medicine

Economic growth

Pandemic

Disease

Journal of Infusion Nursing

In the United States, during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, patients with COVID-19 overwhelmed available intensive care beds, staffing levels were unpredictable, and personal protective equipment was limited. The safety of situating electronic infusion pumps outside patient rooms was evaluated using an internal risk assessment. Based on a low level of risk, a procedure was developed to direct clinicians as to when this process is appropriate during a national crisis. A standardized analysis, Healthcare Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, was conducted to identify all potential risks and implement actions that would eliminate or control the risk. No adverse events were reported. Safe systems and preparation can protect patients.

Using a Patient Safety Analysis to Guide Infusion Therapy for Patients With COVID-19