Efficacy of a programmed calculator for constant-infusion medication calculations.

A program for calculation of constant-infusion vasoactive medications on a hand-held programmable calculator was evaluated in terms of accuracy and time saved v conventional means of calculation. All groups, with the exception of the pharmacists, showed a statistically significant improvement in accuracy and time saved when using the programmable calculator. These results indicate that use of the programmable calculator may significantly save time and reduce errors on dose calculation of potentially dangerous drugs in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units.