ISMP Issues Advisory on Pain Relief Pumps
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices is encouraging hospitals to review their processes and procedures for safely using elastomeric pain relief pumps, citing reports of potential safety concerns. The pumps are used after surgery to provide continuous pain relief to the surgical site. ISMP suggests that hospitals using such devices conduct an analysis to detect potential problems in ordering, preparing, dispensing, documenting, and managing therapy with these devices. For specific recommendations, visit www.ismp.org.