When choosing the right IV safety technology for your healthcare organization, it’s important to consider the following best practices:

1) Assess your needs: Consider your organization’s specific needs and goals, such as reducing the risk of needle sticks or improving patient safety. This will help you determine what features are most important for your IV safety technology.

2) Research available options: Research various IV safety technology products to determine their capabilities and features. Read reviews from other healthcare providers and look for case studies to see how the technology has been successfully implemented in other organizations. Talk to other facilities that are actively using the product.

3) Consider compatibility: Ensure that the IV safety technology you choose is compatible with your organization’s existing equipment, such as IV pumps and catheters, to ensure seamless integration.

4) Evaluate ease of use: Consider the ease of use of the IV safety technology, including the training required for staff, the ease of cleaning and maintaining the equipment, and the level of user-friendliness.

5) Consider cost-effectiveness vs. the cost of not taking action: While cost should not be the only factor in your decision, it’s important to consider the long-term costs of the IV safety technology, including the initial purchase price, maintenance, and replacement costs. You should also consider what happens if you take no action in your organization and the detriments that could persist.

6) Get input from peers: Involve staff in the decision-making process to ensure that the IV safety technology meets their needs and expectations.

7) Ensure after-sales support: Make sure that the vendor offers adequate after-sales support, such as training, technical support, and warranty, to ensure that you can effectively use and maintain the IV safety technology.

8) Gather your influential decision makers – Value Analysis, Clinical, and Supply Chain/Purchasing: Ensure that you involve the right stakeholders at your hospital – both with and without purchasing power. This can be members of the safety committee, leaders that can approve the purchase, heads of departments, clinicians with teams that span across various departments, etc. Think about who needs to have a seat at the table and who can help usher the product and policies into your practice. Do not underestimate individuals who can also shut down your project; bring them into the conversation early and often.

By considering these best practices, you can choose the right IV safety technology for your healthcare organization and ensure the best possible outcomes for your patients and staff.