Intravenous therapy device labeling in Intensive Care Units: an integrative review

Abstract

Objectives: to synthesize the evidence on intravenous device labeling used to identify medications administered to patients in Intensive Care Units, with a view to preventing medication errors. Methods: an integrative review, in the LILACS, IBECS, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases, from November to December 2021, using descriptors and selection criteria. Data were collected in 11 articles and subsequently classified, summarized and aggregated. Results: pre-designed labels, with pre-defined colors and information, help to prevent medication identification errors. There is still a lack of standardization in the practice of labeling syringes, intravenous lines, infusion pumps and saline solution bags. There are errors related to the lack of labeling devices or to their performance with incomplete information. Conclusions: device labeling is a barrier to defending the medication system safety and should be standardized.

Segurança Do Paciente Na Administração De Anestesia: Revisão Integrativa

“…Erros durante a administração de anestesia podem ter consequências sérias, ressaltando a necessidade crucial de manter elevados padrões de segurança para preservar a integridade e bem-estar do paciente 1,8 .…”

“…A obstrução das vias aéreas é uma preocupação significativa, podendo ocorrer devido a múltiplos fatores, como relaxamento da musculatura da garganta, queda da língua para trás ou edema das vias aéreas. Isso pode levar à hipoxemia e, em casos graves, à parada cardíaca se não for prontamente tratada 2,8 .…”

Labelling of intravenous drug delivery devices in critically ill patients: A scoping review

“…However, a previous study conducted by the authors showed that there are currently gaps in the recommendations for labelling standards of devices used in care scenarios that assist critically ill patients. 10 In addition, the existing standard for label standardization-International Organization for Standardization (ISO) number 26825/2021-is limited to single-dose drugs used in anaesthesia and with syringe-type devices. 19 Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the relevant literature on IV drug delivery device labelling in order to identify and summarize standards that can guide the development of device labels and their…”

“…Labelling standards for syringes, bags, and IV lines are strategies that strengthen the safety of institutional medication systems, that is, technologies that prevent the misidentification of IV drugs administered to critically ill patients. However, a previous study conducted by the authors showed that there are currently gaps in the recommendations for labelling standards of devices used in care scenarios that assist critically ill patients 10 . In addition, the existing standard for label standardization‐International Organization for Standardization (ISO) number 26825/2021—is limited to single‐dose drugs used in anaesthesia and with syringe‐type devices 19…”

“…Existing knowledge indicates that it is still necessary to clarify the ideal standards for developing labelling in terms of the size, content, colour, and material of labels to be used for different IV devices applied to critically ill patients. 10 The variation in labelling practices or policies across different regions and their establishment by individual hospital institutions or health care professionals can impact how medications are identified on their devices. Consequently, this may lead to a lack of critical information for patient safety or hinder the adherence of the medical staff to standardized labelling practices.…”