My institution currently use the Alaris PCA module to deliver medications for sedation because the module allows for the syringe go be locked for security. We have a limited number of these PCA modules and are in the process of coming up with a contingency plan. How does your institution maintain security of CS medication containers during intravenous infusion?

Vidya

I was wondering if anyone who has COVID positive patients on Hydroxychloroquine also have patients who are receiving amiodarone. Given the long half-life of amiodarone and its arrhythmogenic potential, how you mitigating the development of torsades de pointes?

Thank you and be well!

Hey all,

In this fast-paced environment, practices are changing constantly as new challenges arise. We are interested in a few things that we hope will help us respond appropriately to caregiver needs around infusion pumps:

1) Have you changed your set change time policy to reduce caregiver exposure?

a) If yes, from what to what? (e.g., 48 hours to 96 hours?) We are not
recommending such a change, just interested in knowing if others are
considering it.

b) If not, what is your current set change policy?

Hello All,

We were not able to get any acterma IV and only able to buy acterma SC.
Does anyone use acterma SC in COVID patient, what is the dose?
Also, would you take 2 syringes for SC formulation and mix it as an IV formulation?
Thank you!

ISMP would like to know if and how you are prioritizing high-alert IV infusion medications in the event of smart pump and/or tubing shortages. For example, have you considered which medication infusions can be given via IV push or another route? Or which can be hung by gravity? What medications have you prioritized for smart pump use?

For example on the ASHP, MSOS (https://medsafetyofficer.org), and SCCM listservs we have seen examples such as:

We are having a challenge with sedating our ICU patients with COVID, running through precedex, propofol, midazolam, hydromorphone, depleted our supply of fentanyl. Are any facilities out there having success with alternative agents and willing to share I would greatly appreciate it.

Does anyone refill emergency medication kits for local ambulance services? Have you changed the way you handle the medications at all?

Historically we advise our staff to wear gloves when handling the boxes and their contents, but now with COVID we are wondering if that is enough.

To reduce the volume of patient contact and preserve PPE, we review medication profiles to consolidate administration time on a case by cases basis at this time.

We recently received an Epic recommendation as follows:

Bundle Medication Administrations and Other Tasks for Admitted Patients:

Hello Everyone,
How are your institutions handling multidose products such as antibiotic suspensions or bulk liquids dispensed to COVID-19 patients? My pediatric area has raised this concern to see if patient-specific dose syringes would be more appropriate for the bulk bottles of antibiotics or other liquids. I look forward to your feedback.
Thanks so much.

Cicely Williams, PharmD