Hello,

We are interested in learning how other sites prepare 5-FU CADD pump home infusions.

Can you share with me in what volume do you prepare these infusions? Also, which pump you use for your 46 hour home infusion of 5-FU and what is you manufacturers allowed pump variance?

Thank you in advance!

I was recently approached by an oncologist with the idea to dispense IV cytarabine for outpatient use via an elastomeric pump (Eclipse). We would dispense the Eclipse balls and have the patient (or caregiver) administer this chemotherapy at home, instead of coming into clinic.

Though there is a lot to think about, I could not find any stability data for cytarabine in this closed system. Are any centers currently practicing this process? Is there any information out there I can use to effectively this process?

Thanks!
Phil

We are trying to determine what to do with premixed IV bags (fluconazole, Oxytocin) from the NIOSH list and Closed system transfer devices (CSTD). Do we take them out of the Pyxis machine, and only dispense after pharmacy adds a CSTD? Do we exempt those meds from CSTD requirement?
The policies from other facilities that I have reviewed are very non-descript…they just say that CTSDs should be utilized to minimize exposure. Maybe they are intentionally written that way to avoid details?
What are you doing for these meds?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Hoping the subject got your attention with this one!

Does anyone use IV hydroxyzine in your pediatric oncology patients? Our oncology staff is insisting it not be removed as an option because they need a non-sedating anti-histamine for use in their patients.

Do you use dimenhydrinate IV as an alternative?

If you do use hydroxyzine what time frame do you allow it to be infused over? Do you have any literature to support it?

Even better, can you provide me significant proof that other children's hospitals are NOT using IV hydroxyzine?

What are the standards for cleaning the inside of the ADC's and who does it?

If there is a spillage of medication in the drawer what process do you have for cleaning? Also do you have a routine cleaning schedule ---how often? and who is responsible?

If it helps we have Pyxis.

Hello,
We were recently surveyed by the JC and told that we cannot have any cardboard in "clinical areas".

Specifically for pharmacies, how do you handle cardboard materials when new shipments come in? Do you unload materials prior to bringing them into the pharmacy or do you have an area in the pharmacy designated for loading/unloading?

Any help is much appreciated,
Rachel

Hello,

We’ve been experiencing challenges with consistency and standardization as it relates to the appropriate approval, development/augmentation and validation of various order sets and panels in our EHR system.

We are interested in learning how other organizations are tackling these challenges, and it would be very much appreciated if you could share your experiences and documents (policies, procedures, checklists, etc.).

I'm looking to network with others that are at facilities that have inpatient behavioral health.

Also, I am interested to learn about processes/thoughts/ideas others have to surveillance for inappropriate chemical restraints.

Thanks!
Jen

Do any of your organizations have a pharmacist on staff that specifically focuses on Medication Security and Diversion prevention? If yes, would you be willing to share a copy of the job description? Thank you!

When asked to make an IV drip where the drug volume is 10% or more of the bag volume, such as furosemide 1mg/mL, 250mL bag (225mL of NS + 250mg/25 mL of furosemide), do you:

1. Withdraw the 25mL drug volume from the 250mL bag of NS prior to adding the drug, OR
2. Start with an empty container and add 225mL of NS + the drug

This is an ongoing debate at my facility and I'd like to put it to rest!