Interdisciplinary committee on infusion-control devices: evaluating new products.

Evaluation and selection of volumetric infusion-control devices (ICDs) by an interdisciplinary committee in a university teaching hospital is described. The committee, which was originally formed to evaluate problems with the existing system of ICD management, determined that the ICDs in use at the hospital were outdated. After gathering information on the types of ICDs available and identifying options for replacing the existing equipment, the committee decided to replace some of the devices with new volumetric ICDs. A six-page evaluation form was mailed to ICD manufacturers, and representatives from 16 manufacturers were invited to demonstrate their devices to the committee members. Five manufacturers were then invited to participate in a two-week, inhouse comparative trial, during which the devices were objectively evaluated by nurses, the bioinstrumentation department, and the ICD committee. The results of that evaluation were used to construct bid specifications. The decision of which ICDs to purchase was based on cost factors and the degree to which the devices met the specifications. The use of a multidisciplinary committee to evaluate and select new ICDs was an effective strategy. The devices that were purchased represented improvements in patient safety and cost-effectiveness.