In-home intravenous (IV) medication administration is becoming an increasingly popular option for patients who require ongoing infusion therapy. This method allows patients to receive their medication in the comfort of their own homes, providing convenience and minimizing the need for hospital visits. In this blog post, we will explore the process of in-home IV medication administration and highlight the crucial role of skilled professionals in ensuring safe and effective treatment.
Obtaining Orders from a Physician
The journey begins with a physician’s order. Typically, infectious disease doctors or primary care physicians assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for IV medication. These orders are then sent to a local infusion pharmacy that specializes in preparing and dispensing IV medication.
Collaboration with an Infusion Pharmacy
Examples of infusion pharmacies that work in collaboration with physicians and patients include PICC Lines Plus and Option Care. Once the pharmacy receives orders, they prepare and ship the medication directly to the patient’s home.
Patient Education and Training
Upon medication delivery, a registered nurse (RN) specializing in IV therapy visits the patient’s home. The RN’s primary responsibility is to educate and train the patient (and their family, if applicable) on how to manage the IV fusion. If the patient is teachable and physically able to handle the infusion, they can self-administer the medication. However, if the patient is uncomfortable or lacks physical ability or assistance, some insurance may cover daily visits from the nurse.
Assessing Patient’s Understanding and Ability
The nurse conducts comprehensive teaching sessions to ensure the patient comprehends the process and can safely and properly administer the medication. They assess the patient’s return demonstration, answering any questions and addressing concerns. If needed, the nurse may provide further teaching in subsequent visits.
The Importance of Skilled Professionals
In-home IV medication administration requires the expertise of a skilled professional. The nurse’s role extends beyond teaching and monitoring. They act as a crucial link between the patient, doctor, pharmacy, and other healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care. Additionally, nurses can provide various other nursing interventions such as wound care, post-operative monitoring, disease management, and education.
Monitoring and Communication
As the nurse regularly visits the patient, they closely monitor their condition, noting any changes or concerns. They relay this information to the prescribing physician, ensuring that the patient’s treatment plan remains up-to-date and appropriate.
Coordinating Care
Coordinating care among different healthcare professionals is vital to optimizing patient outcomes. The nurse plays a vital role in facilitating communication and collaboration between the patient’s doctor, pharmacy, and other clinicians involved, such as physical and occupational therapists.
At Unified Pledge, we are committed to providing high-quality in-home IV medication administration services. Unified Pledge Home Health is a service provider for this service, ensuring the highest level of care and professionalism.
We accept various insurance providers to make our services accessible to a wide range of patients. Some of the accepted insurance providers include Florida Blue, CIGNA, OSCAR Health; or Private Pay. We understand the importance of affordable healthcare and strive to work with insurance companies to make our services as accessible as possible.
With the assistance of skilled nurses, patients can learn to safely self-administer their medication or receive regular visits if needed. The comprehensive care provided by nurses ensures patient safety, optimal treatment outcomes, and coordination of care between all healthcare stakeholders involved.
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