Abstract
Purpose
To develop and implement a standardized intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) order set for pediatric patients in a community hospital.
Methods
Standardized orders are used in many hospitals to help guide the medication ordering process. WakeMed Health and Hospitals in Raleigh, North Carolina, developed and implemented a standardized pediatric IVIG order set. The IVIG orders were designed and approved by a multidisciplinary team. All standing orders at WakeMed are maintained by the Clinical Analysis Department and reviewed every 3 years by the pharmacy and medical staff. The standardized IVIG order set must be completed anf signed by the attending physician for all pediatric IVIG orders. Standardization of the IVIG orders helps promote accurate physician medication ordering, provides safe administration guidelines, and minimized the risk of medication errors and adverse events.
Results
As a result of the implementation of standardized IVIG orders, the hospital has decreased the potential for adverse events and medication errors in the pediatric population and has eliminated product waste. Hospital pharmacists should encourage the development of standardized orders for pediatric patients receiving immune globulin.
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