2025, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part B

This review aims to synthesize existing evidence on the challenges, interventions, and best practices in intravenous (IV) medication administration to enhance patient safety and reduce medication errors.

Design: A systematic review of observational and experimental studies assessing IV medication safety, administration practices, and error mitigation strategies.

Data Sources: Data were extracted from peer-reviewed studies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and observational reports, focusing on IV medication errors, technological innovations, and systemic solutions for improving adherence to safety protocols.

Review Method: A systematic search and selection process identified relevant studies. The impact of interventions such as structured training programs, audit-based feedback, intelligent infusion systems, and standardized protocols was analyzed to determine their effectiveness in reducing IV medication errors and improving safety outcomes.

Results: IV medication administration has high error rates, including incorrect dosage, improper dilution, omission errors, and inappropriate bolus administration. Key risk factors include high workload pressures, lack of standardization, training gaps, and inefficient reporting systems. The review highlights that structured training programs, automation, dose change alerts, color-coded labeling, and prefilled syringes significantly enhance medication safety. Implementing failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), filter needles, and smart IV safety systems reduces contamination risks and infusion delays. Despite these advancements, challenges in adherence and system-wide implementation persist, emphasizing the need for continuous quality improvement and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical role of technology-driven solutions and comprehensive educational interventions in reinforcing safe IV medication administration. Standardized protocols, closed-loop medication management, and evidence-based quality improvement initiatives are essential in mitigating risks and enhancing patient safety. Future research should focus on refining these interventions and ensuring their widespread adoption in clinical practice.