Intravenous drug delivery systems

Purpose. The Third Consensus Conference on the Safety of Intravenous Drug Delivery Systems was convened to evaluate the benefits and risks of available systems and assess ongoing threats to the safety of intravenous drug delivery. Summary. The Third Consensus Conference on the Safety of Intravenous Drug Delivery Systems convened in Chicago, Illinois in November 2018. An expert panel of healthcare providers with experience in medication quality and safety, pharmacy and nursing operations, information technology, and/or sterile compounding led the conference. An experienced audience of approximately 30 healthcare leaders provided feedback to the panel via preconference survey and during the conference. Additionally, expert speakers presented on a range of issues, including the effects of drug shortages, the impact of standards and guidelines, and patient and administrator perspectives on the importance of intravenous drug delivery safety. Conclusion. At the end of the conference, the expert panel concluded that manufacturer ready-to-use products remain the safest intravenous drug delivery system due to their many benefits and low overall risk profile. The panel identified various ongoing threats to the safety of intravenous drug delivery, with major concerns including the impact of drug shortages and lack of intravenous product standardization. Finally, the panel agreed upon a series of statements designed to advance the safety of intravenous drug delivery in healthcare institutions.