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Nationwide German standardised concentration list for continuous infusions in intensive care patients

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European Statement

Patient Safety and Quality Assurance

Why was it done?

In intensive care patients, numerous drugs are continuously administered. Standardised concentrations and dose adjustment by infusion rate are recommended to minimise medication errors, e.g., by the EAHP Special Interest Group for investigating Medication Errors in Intensive Care Units. This principle is also followed more and more in German hospitals. However, there is a lack of a national standardised concentration list.

What was done?

The joint working group aimed to develop and implement a nationwide standardised concentration list for continuously administered infusions in intensive care patients in German hospitals.

How was it done?

A joint working group of the German Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ADKA e.V.) and the German Interdisciplinary Association of Intensive and Emergency Care (DIVI e. V.) compiled a nationwide continuous infusion standard for intensive care patients. Based on a national survey conducted in 2021, a list of plausible, commonly used drugs and concentrations was compiled. Drugs and concentrations to be listed were further evaluated in a multi-stage process based on predefined criteria (e.g. volume sparing concentration, one concentration per drug [where applicable], preferring ready-to-use medication, operational considerations).

What has been achieved?

A joint working group of the German Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ADKA e.V.) and the German Interdisciplinary Association of Intensive and Emergency Care (DIVI e. V.) compiled a nationwide continuous infusion standard for intensive care patients. The national continuous infusion standard encompasses 41 drugs and 49 standard concentrations, recommended vehicle solutions and data on the physicochemical stability of the infusions during administration. Thirty-seven active substances are listed with one concentration, heparin with two concentrations, epinephrine and sufentanil with three concentrations, and norepinephrine with four.

What next?

Healthcare professionals in German intensive care units are encouraged to adopt this standardised concentration list to improve medication safety. Flowcharts provided by the working group will facilitate the implementation of the defined standard concentrations.

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