Safe Practices in Intravenous Drug Therapy in Hospitalized Adult Patients: Scoping Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: to map safe practices in intravenous drug therapy in hospitalized adult patients described in the scientific literature. Methods: Scoping review according to JBI, with the question: “What are the practices for safe administration of intravenous drug therapy in hospitalized adults?”. Searches were conducted in four information resources and grey literature. Duplicates were removed in Endnote and studies were selected in Rayyan, according to eligibility criteria. The data were presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Review. Results: Eighteen studies were analyzed, and the evidence was grouped into the following stages: 1) Aseptic techniques; 2) Preparation; 3) Labeling; 4) Administration; 5) Recording. The following were highlighted as safe practices: hand hygiene, double checking, identification of medications and patients, verification of access permeability, recording of administration, and adverse events. Conclusions: adopting safe practices during intravenous drug therapy is a fundamental strategy for the safety of hospitalized adult patients.