KLAS: Getting Smart About Device Integration

When it comes to organizational priorities, smart pump/EMR integration is quickly gaining momentum, with more than half of providers listing it as a factor in future decision-making, according new research from KLAS. However, only a few have taken the next step, indicating that several barriers remain.

In the report, early adopters found that smart pump/EMR integration significantly improved patient safety by reducing programming errors, increasing drug library compliance, and facilitating more timely and accurate documentation. Users also cited enhancements in nursing workflow, data analytics, and pharmacy workflow.

“Providers make it clear that they feel smart pump and EMR integration is the future of how IV medications will be administered,” said Coray Tate, author for the Smart Pumps 2013 Report from KLAS. “They see integration as a big step forward in patient safety, one that will one day be the industry standard. The question on everyone’s mind is, ‘how far away is the future?’”

One hurdle that stands in the way is complexity, according to providers, who noted that smart pump/EMR integration is much more difficult than integrating other devices like patient monitors, and that despite vendor engagement, implementations have lacked both speed and clarity.

But for those who are willing to put in the hard work of integrating the technologies, the end result is worth it, users said. In the report, one CIO cited a 47 percent decrease in high-risk overrides and a 43 percent drop in reprogrammed infusions, adding, “Basically all of our numbers are better.”

In terms of vendors, Hospira still dominates the smart pump field, but is seeing more competition from CareFusion, Baxter, and B. Braun. On the EMR vendor side, Cerner is the clear frontrunner. According to KLAS, more than 75 percent of providers doing smart pump/EMR integration are using Cerner, and 50 more are reported to have purchased Cerner’s solution. Epic is the only other commercial EMR vendor doing pump/EMR integration.

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