Standardising IV infusion concentrations in children in the UK

The Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacist Group (NPPG), has proposed a framework for a national approach to standardise intravenous (IV) infusion concentrations in children. The NPPG worked with the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) to update the framework and introduce neonatal unit concentrations for some of the drugs listed in the Infusion Standardisation Framework. This was supported by the Royal College of Paediatrics of Child Health (RCPCH) and Joint RCPCH/NPPG Standing Committee on Medicines (JMC).

Standardising intravenous infusion concentrations for neonates and children in the UK – a proposal for a national approach, aims to provide a list of standardised IV infusion concentrations for use in infants over 2kg and children. The framework brings standardisation of infusions one step closer, through the use of safer standard fixed concentrations replacing previous weight-based variable concentrations of infusions. In particular, by providing support for the development of a national ‘smart pump’ library, medication safety will be improved in this high-risk area of practice.

The framework also offers the opportunity to provide and support additional efficiencies and safety initiatives by reducing the time taken to prepare infusions; safer prescribing and administration for practitioners moving between different workplaces who will become familiar with the standard concentrations in all settings; improved demand and capacity planning to manage drug shortages; improve the use of technology through implementation of smart pumps, use of electronic prescribing and implementation of barcoded medicines administration.

The framework provides a further opportunity for the development of licensed ready-to-administer formulations of IV medications based on the standard infusion concentrations. All practitioners and providers of care to children and young people are encouraged to review and implement the recommendations in this document.

Read the document at: www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/standardising-intravenous-infusion-concentrations-children-uk