ECRI Institute Releases New Safety Guidance for Patients and Caregivers Using Home Infusion Technology
Home infusion improves quality of life for individuals requiring extended infusion therapy, but caregivers must take some precautions to minimize risk. To help patients and caregivers improve safety when using medical technology in the home, ECRI Institute and The Healthcare Technology Foundation, have created a free informational video and patient guide entitled “Home Infusion: A Safety Guide for Patients and Caregivers.”
“Infusion pumps are among the most common medical devices used in home and because they can be used to deliver potent medications, the risks are significant,” says James P. Keller, Jr., vice president, health technology evaluation and safety, ECRI Institute.
The video and pamphlet clearly outline important safety information that the public needs to understand when using infusion devices in the home, such as:
- What are the risks?
- What is involved in home infusion?
- How can I stay safe?
“We produced this pamphlet and video to help patients understand the risks of this life-saving technology and to show them where to go to for help if they have concerns,” Keller adds.
Tobey Clark, president of the Healthcare Technology Foundation, comments, “Educating patients and caregivers about the safe use of healthcare technology is important to both of our organizations. We’re looking forward to developing more guides in the coming year that address technology issues for homecare patients.”
“Home Infusion” is the fourth pamphlet collaboration in the Home Medical Device series from ECRI Institute and the Healthcare Technology Foundation. Other available guides include: “Home Hemodialysis Safety: A Patient Guide,” “Fire Safety & Oxygen: A Patient Guide,” and “Home Ventilation: A Safety Guide for Caregivers.” These are available in both English and Spanish as free downloads from the ECRI Institute and HTF websites.
For more information about these free patient guides, visit https://www.ecri.org/Patients/Pages/Patient_Resources.aspx or contact ECRI Institute at communications@ecri.org.