Trends in Infusion Administrative Practices in US Health Care Organizations: An Exploratory Analysis

Abstract

While specialized infusion clinical services remain the standard of care, widespread curtailing and disbanding of infusion teams as a cost-cutting measure has been documented in health care organizations for nearly 2 decades. Owing to this trend, as well as recent government interventions in medical error control, the authors engaged in an exploratory study of infusion administration practices in the US health care industry. This article presents the authors' exploratory findings, as well as their potential implications.

Evidence‐Based Strategies and Recommendations for Preservation of Central Venous Access in Children

“…Although the components of care addressed by such a team should be universal, personnel will vary from site to site but should ideally consider patient and caregiver representatives; vascular access, infusion, intestinal care, and apheresis nurses; interventional radiologists; hepatologists; surgeons; nephrologists; gastroenterologists; infectious disease physicians; intensivists; hematologists; pharmacists; and home health planning experts. Unfortunately, with the current focus on indiscriminate reduction of cost, the tendency has been to disband such teams rather than to form, strengthen, and value them …”

“…Unfortunately, with the current focus on indiscriminate reduction of cost, the tendency has been to disband such teams rather than to form, strengthen, and value them. 153,154 The existence of a multidisciplinary team does not ensure improved outcomes. 155 To be effective, the CVAT should supervise continuing CVC care and maintenance, guideline and policy development, and resolution of difficult or contentious access-related issues.…”