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Latest from the UK National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA)

NPSA Rapid Response Report on syringe drivers

In response to over 160 error reports and eight deaths in the past 5 years, NPSA has issued a Rapid Response Report on the safer use of ambulatory syringe drivers. Errors were more likely in older drivers with rate settings measured in length of syringe plunger travel. All organizations in the NHS and independent sector must develop an action plan to ensure that all ambulatory syringe drivers comply with specific safety features within a maximum of five years. For more information click here.

NPSA Rapid Response Report on loading doses

This Rapid Response Report is aimed at preventing the incorrect use of loading doses or subsequent maintenance regimens that may lead to severe harm or death. For more information click here.

NPSA safer spinal (intrathecal), epidural and regional devices

This two-part patient safety alert update supersedes NPSA/2009/PSA004A issued in November 2009. In summary, Part A requires that by April 2012 all spinal (intrathecal) bolus doses and lumbar puncture samples are performed using syringes, needles and other devices with connectors that cannot also connect with intravenous equipment. Part B requires that by April 2013 all epidural, spinal (intrathecal) and regional anaesthesia infusions and bolus doses should be performed with devices with connectors that will not also connect with intravenous equipment. For more information click here.

NPSA publishes risk assessment guide for venous thromboembolism

This ‘How to’ guide is aimed at supporting the implementation of venous thromboembolism risk assessment for all patients admitted to hospital. It builds on existing resources already available and can be used to support the implementation of NICE Quality Standards Programme, CQUIN requirements and NICE Guideline 92. For more information click here

Prepared by Sarah Charlesworth and Andrew Wilcock