Learning Center
Real-World Intravenous Smart Pump (IVSP) Medication Administration Practices
Includes a Live Web Event on 04/28/2025 at 1:30 PM (EDT)
Although IVSPs have been associated with decreases in medication errors, they have not eliminated error and have, in fact, been identified as a major safety hazard. We will share the findings from our FDA-funded study on IVSP medication administration practices for the 1.4 billion IVSP infusions in adults delivered annually during United States (US) hospital care. This is the first known study to empirically describe the vast scope of IVSP infusions in US health care. This session will provide a foundation for clinicians and researchers to more earnestly address this critical and largely underrecognized patient safety issue.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
• Describe the multiple safety and usability issues associated with IVSPs
• Discuss the current state of the science of evidence-based IVSP research
• Describe the vast scope of IVSP medication delivery and the clinical implications related to current practice
• Critically evaluate how the findings from this program of IVSP safety and usability research can be used to improve current clinical practice and drive future IVSP device innovation
Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2
Karen Giuliano, PhD, RN
Karen Giuliano, PhD, RN, has over 25 years of experience in critical care nursing, medical product development and innovation, and patient-centered clinical outcomes research. Her primary focus is in general acute and critical care with a special interest in using human-centered design to better understand how clinical needs, medical technology use, product development, and innovation intersect to improve the process of care for clinicians and the experience of care for patients.
Dr Giuliano’s own interdisciplinary program of research is focused in 2 main areas: non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia prevention and improving the safety and usability of IV Smart Pumps. Karen is currently a Professor at the University of Massachusetts Institute for Applied Life Sciences and the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. She is also the Co-director of the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation.
Dan Degnan, PharmD, MS, CPPS, FASHP
Dan Degnan, PharmD, MS, CPPS, FASHP, is currently a clinical associate professor of pharmacy and academic success coach at Purdue University College of Pharmacy. With over 3 years of experience in the pharmacy, Dr Degnan has established himself as a highly regarded expert in pharmacy practice and medication safety.
Dr Degnan's research interests and expertise include medication safety technology, patient safety culture, pharmacy operations, and high reliability health care. He has published numerous articles on these topics and has also served in leadership roles in national quality and pharmacy professional organizations.
Prior to his current position at Purdue University, Dr Degnan served as the Medication Safety Officer at Community Health Network in Indianapolis, Indiana. During his tenure there, he implemented innovative strategies and programs that significantly improved patient safety and medication management in the hospital system. Due in part to his efforts, the organization was recognized with a “Cheers” award from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.
Dr Degnan's contributions to the field of pharmacy have been recognized with awards for excellence in medication safety and teaching, including the Dr Aziz Outstanding Teacher of the Year and the Wyeth Bowl of Hygeia Award for Community Service. Dr Degnan has also been recognized as a Fellow of the American Society of Health-system Pharmacists. As a Clinical Associate Professor, he is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of pharmacists and instilling in them a commitment to patient-centered care and continuous improvement.
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