Update on Devices and Methods for the Administration of Intravenous Antibiotics in a Community Setting

Multidisciplinary teams today strive to provide safe, effective, comfortable, satisfactory and cost effective care in a community setting for clients who require intravenous (IV) antibiotics. While the acuity level of the client has changed, so has equipment, and methods for the administration of IV antibiotics in a community setting have continued to evolve. Professionals must scan the marketplace for evolving and updated trends and pursue appropriate changes. With technological changes, a wealth of innovations presents themselves for appraisal. This task of evaluating new products is more manageable when they are classified into the following: skin preparation, IV cannulation, prevention of needlestick injuries, stabilization of venous access, nonelectronic delivery devices and electronic delivery devices. As many options as possible and the consequences of any changes must be considered. Any change in a community program must be tested before final implementation. To consider the impact of the new and potentially improved products for IV use in a community setting, one must first explore the current and future status of the market place.