We are exploring smart pump options with an eye towards EMR interoperability. While we have some limited experience with older models of Alaris and Hospira Plum pumps, we're very interested in what the group has to offer in the way of insight and wisdom.

What questions should prospective purchasers be asking when assessing:
1. Usability
2. Safety features
3. Interoperability
4. Complex programming

Anything you have to offer is most appreciated in the way of features you couldn't live without, unexpected surprises and disappointments, and most underappreciated (but incredibly valuable) attributes.

For example, there was a pump (vendor unnamed) marketed as capable of delivering a bolus from the bag. In reality, the library only supports a single upper/lower Hard/Soft limit for the entry which makes a safe bolus from the bag quite impractical. Any limits set for a maintenance infusion are inappropriate for a bolus and vice versa.

This could lead to the question: "So, can a bolus from the bag be delivered with appropriate high/low limits separate from the high/low limits of the maintenance infusion, and without requiring a reprogramming event?"

We would love to develop a stable of helpful questions like this - and we're happy to share the final list of questions.