The perception of the impact of smart infusion pumps on nurses’ medication administration performance: A study in Saudi Arabia hospitals

Abstract

Background

Smart infusion pumps are widely adopted to improve medication safety, yet their effectiveness depends on nurses’ perceptions, usability, and integration into clinical workflows.

Study Aim

This study evaluated nurses’ perceptions of smart infusion pumps in Saudi Arabian hospitals, focusing on learnability, memorability, efficiency, error management, and medication administration performance.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 249 registered nurses across nine hospitals. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA.

Results

Most nurses reported daily pump use (76.8%). Learnability and memorability scores were higher among younger nurses, diploma holders, and those in the Central Region (p < 0.05). Efficiency differed significantly by gender (p = 0.041), while error management varied by gender and region (p < 0.05). Medication administration performance showed no significant differences across demographics (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Smart infusion pumps were positively perceived overall, though regional and demographic disparities highlight the need for standardized training and stronger system-level support.