PHILADELPHIA, PA — The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has become the latest member of the National Infusion Collaborative™ (NIC). This partnership marks a pivotal step in the collaborative’s mission, bringing together the extensive expertise of ASHP with the innovative efforts of Bainbridge Health and Purdue University’s Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, which jointly launched the NIC in 2022.
The NIC’s founding mission is to establish a research-driven platform where medication safety leaders can exchange best practices, gain insights from a national network of professionals, and foster a zero-harm environment for patients receiving IV medications. This initiative responds to the critical need for enhanced safety in the administration of intravenous drugs, a complex area of healthcare that requires meticulous attention to prevent errors and adverse events.
Sean O’Neill, Chief Clinical Officer of Bainbridge Health, highlighted the significance of ASHP’s involvement: “ASHP’s participation significantly strengthens the collaborative effort. We are delighted to have their deep expertise and perspective guiding the collaborative.” ASHP’s entry into the NIC underscores the collaborative’s growing influence and potential to enact meaningful improvements in IV medication safety across the United States.
Douglas J. Scheckelhoff, ASHP senior vice president of practice advancement, expressed the organization’s commitment to this cause: “ASHP is thrilled to join the National Infusion Collaborative as part of our goal of advancing the optimal, safe, and effective use of medication for all people all of the time,” he said. “This collaboration further supports our efforts to promote patient safety and advance pharmacy practice.”
With the NIC expected to surpass more than 500 hospital members in 2024, the collaborative is on track to become a formidable force in healthcare, bringing about tangible changes in how IV medications are prescribed, prepared, and administered. This growth not only represents an expansion in the collaborative’s reach but also signifies the healthcare industry’s collective move towards prioritizing patient safety and medication efficacy.
The partnership between ASHP and the NIC is poised to drive innovation and share critical knowledge in the field of pharmacy and healthcare. By leveraging the strengths of academic research, clinical expertise, and industry leadership, the NIC aims to lead the charge in establishing safer practices for IV medication use, potentially setting new standards for care delivery and patient safety in hospitals nationwide.
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