Home infusion pumps.

Abstract

R ECENT ADVANCES IN infusion have simplified the process of home infusion therapy for a variety of chronic health conditions requiring intravenous antibiotics, chemotherapy, or pain management. Home care, for once, need not translate into the creation of a mini-hospital environment complete with infusion poles, hospital infusion-style pumps, and intravenous fluid bags. The newer pumps allow increased freedom for the patient and famiIy, decreased line manipulation, automatic delivery of infused medication, and the ability to deliver medication on a more frequent therapeutic schedule without disturbing a patient’s or caregiver’s sleep. The changes in infusion pumps have also had an impact on where delivery of health care treatment is received. For many patients traditionally requiring extended hospital courses of intravenous infusion, such as patients with endocarditis, cystic fibrosis, osteomyelitis, peritonitis, cellulitis, neutropenia, AIDS, some cancer therapies, and chronic pain, the new infusion delivery systems can offer the comfort of the home environment, reduced medical costs, and fewer hospital days. Before any decision is made regarding the use of a home infusion system, there are several patient care determinations that must be made. Each home care patient is unique; therefore, the choice of safe, cost-effective, and dependable equipment must reflect those unique needs.