Intravenous (IV) smart pumps revolutionized medication delivery when they were first introduced, dramatically improving precision compared to gravity infusions. However, decades later, the same core technology has not kept pace with the increasing complexity of medications, workflows, and patient needs. This session will trace the evolution of IV smart pumps, explore the factors influencing flow rate accuracy, and discuss why historical designs present challenges in modern clinical contexts. Participants will learn how different pump technologies affect performance and identify practical strategies to minimize risk and enhance patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to: 
• Articulate what flow rate accuracy means and how it can impact patient safety
• Discuss the types of IV pump technology, their historical development, and their impact on flow rate accuracy
• Describe clinically relevant factors that impact flow rate accuracy 
• Discuss strategies for improving patient safety in the context of legacy design constraints and future innovations.

CRNI® RUs: This session has been approved for 2 CRNI® recertification units and meets the non INS Meeting criteria.

Contact Hours: This session has been approved for 1 contact hour

Expiration date for receipt of contact hours: September 10, 2028

To receive contact hours for this educational activity, you are required to attend the entire educational activity and complete the evaluation.

The Infusion Nurses Society is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider #CEP14209. The certificate must be retained by the attendee for a period of 4 years.