Development and Validity of an Algorithm for Planning Intravenous Medication Administration in Infants

Abstract

Objective: to develop and validate the content of an algorithm for planning intravenous medication administration in infants. Method: this is a methodological study of technology development and validity. A scoping review was carried out, which supported the creation of an algorithm by the researchers and its subsequent validity by 13 expert nurses, which took place between November 2021 and March 2022. Items with a Content Validity Index ≥ 0.8 were considered acceptable. Results: thirty-one references were included in the scoping review, organized into five categories: “recommendation for intravenous access”, “polypharmacy-related care”, “care prior to intravenous medication administration”, “venous catheter handling-related care” and “medication infusion-related care”. This division supported the algorithm development, which was validated after three rounds, with an overall Content Validity Index of the instrument of 0.91. Conclusion: algorithm validity indicates reliability and accuracy of its content.