Our
Solution
JCAHO mandate: deadline 1/1/2005
Like all institutions across the country we were faced
with dilemma of compliance with the JCAHO
mandate by the January 2005 deadline. The first step was to
find 3 to 4 "best fit" concentrations for each of the 40 drugs
most commonly used in the pediatric and neonatal population.
Generating Concentrations:
Concentration Optimizer
To accomplish this task we
have developed a computerized software program, the "Concentration Optimizer" that rapidly automates
this process. The program uses a sophisticated algorithm that takes into
consideration various factors such as weight range, dose range, dose
increment interval, minimal infusion rate, etc and uses this data to
generate 2 to 4 "ideal" concentrations for each drug.
List of Standard
Concentrations
Using references such as
Trissel's
and the
Pediatric Dosage Handbook, and
The Teddy Bear Book
as well as real world experiences of pharmacists at our
institution and across the country we determined our list of
concentrations.
Concentration
Optimizer: CPOE
The final step in this process was the development of a
CPOE (Computerized Physician Order Entry) module
to the "Concentration Optimizer". This program presents a simple, easy-to-use drip-ordering interface for the user powered in the background by the
"Concentration Optimizer" engine.
