In a new draft practice standard, the National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) identified situations in which an electronic mechanical pump should be used or considered.
The Oct. 3 draft practice standard is an example of “a consensus of professional judgment, expert opinion, and documented evidence” created by the NHIA to “provide guidance and direction to NHIA members and other audiences who affect the home infusion industry and patients served.”
The draft identified three instances in which “an electronic mechanical pump is strongly recommended” for home infusion:
— Continuously infused medications with a narrow therapeutic index that requires a strictly controlled infusion rate to prevent toxicity and to achieve the desired response.
— Continuous or extended infusions greater than three hours where dose titration or rate adjustments are required to achieve the desired clinical response or to prevent an adverse drug reactions.
— Continuous or extended subcutaneous medication infusions.
Additionally, the draft named four situations in which the clinician should consider using an electronic mechanical pump:
— When administering medications on a dosing frequency for which the pump could promote adherence to the prescribed dosing schedule.
— When medication infusions need to occur over a period not easily achieved or when self-administration is not achieved without a pump.
—When the infusion solution rate is greater than 250 mL an hour for more than 2 hours or more than 500 mL.
— When the medication is to be administered via a small bore catheter.
While practice standards “should not be viewed as NHIA requirements,” they are created “to establish reasonable goals, to be progressive and challenging, yet attainable as best practices” for home infusion or sites outside traditional medical facilities, the association added.
NHIA began accepting comments on the proposed practice standards on Oct. 4. The comment period closes Fri., Nov. 3.
NHIA is asking for input from “clinicians, regulatory agencies, reimbursement professionals, and industry stakeholders.” Comments should be sent to [email protected].
Image: istockphoto.com/Amornrat Phuchom
