In every hospital, safe medication administration starts with the “Five Rights”:
Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time.
These principles are the cornerstone of medication safety protocols. But as IV therapy becomes more complex—with high-alert medications, staff shortages, and rising patient acuity—it’s time to evolve that foundation. The reality is, following the five rights alone isn’t always enough to prevent harm.
That’s why many hospitals are embracing what we’re calling the 6th Right of IV therapy:
Right Technology.
Why the 5 Rights Aren’t Always Enough
Even the most skilled and attentive team of clinicians can’t be at the bedside every minute. In high-pressure environments like the ICU or ED, nurses must juggle multiple tasks and competing priorities, often with limited resources.
Unfortunately, IV complications like infiltration and extravasation don’t wait. They can happen silently, with no visible signs until the damage is already done. When high-risk medications like vasopressors, potassium, or chemotherapy are involved, a missed infiltration isn’t just an access issue—it’s a medication error that can compromise safety and treatment outcomes.
That’s where the sixth right—technology—comes in.
The Right Technology: A “Second Set of Eyes” for Every IV
Technology should never replace clinical judgment—but the right tools can strengthen it, which is exactly what ivWatch does.
Using advanced biosensor technology, ivWatch provides continuous, real-time monitoring of peripheral IV sites. It can detect early signs of tissue infiltration—often before visible signs occur—and alert clinicians immediately.
Early detection means:
- The drug stays in the right route
- The patient receives the intended dose
- Harmful extravasation and potential related injury are prevented
- Clinicians gain a critical layer of support in high-stakes settings complementing and advancing their competency
In short, ivWatch helps close the gap between intent and outcome.
The New Standard: Six Rights of IV Medication Safety
As IV therapy evolves, so should our standards. Here’s what modern IV medication safety looks like:
- Right patient
- Right drug
- Right dose
- Right route
- Right time
- Right technology
This sixth right acknowledges that safety is not just a process—it’s a partnership between experts in their craft and technology. It reflects a proactive, systems-based approach to reducing harm and improving outcomes.
Making the 6th Right a Reality in Your Hospital
Hospitals that integrate ivWatch into their IV therapy protocols see benefits across clinical, operational, and financial dimensions:
- Fewer infiltration and extravasation severe events
- Extended safe use of peripheral IVs for high-risk drugs
- Reduced central line placements and lower CLABSI risk
- Improved nursing workflow and confidence
- Better patient experiences and outcomes
Most importantly, these hospitals are ensuring every patient receives the right medication, in the right way, every time.
Final Thought: When the Five Rights Are No Longer Enough, Add the Sixth
Even in the most well-run hospitals, infiltrations will occur—they’re an unfortunate but unavoidable reality of IV therapy. But what doesn’t have to happen are the downstream consequences: dosing errors, delayed treatment, and patient harm.
By adding technology as the sixth right, clinicians gain the ability to detect problems early and act fast, protecting both the integrity of the medication and the safety of the patient.
ivWatch empowers your team to deliver safer, smarter IV therapy—no matter how complex the care.
Ready to see how the sixth right fits into your standards of care? Let’s talk