Utilization of electronic infusion devices in a university hospital

Use of large-volume electronic infusion devices (EID) in an adult general hospital was compared with an established protocol to determine compliance. Data were collected during seven widely spaced inspections of the facility. Forty-six percent of 962 EID were observed to be employed inappropriately. Compliance was nearly identical for both pumps and controllers and for intensive care and non-intensive care areas. Four reasons for employing EID accounted for 48 percent of all inappropriate use. An estimated annual savings of +178,000 to +460,000 might be realized through strict protocol compliance.