Use of Computer Vision to Identify the Frequency and Magnitude of Insulin Syringe Preparation Errors

Abstract

Background: No current technology exists to ensure the dose of insulin administered in hospitals matches the physician order. Objective: Assess the feasibility of using computer vision to identify insulin syringe preparation errors. Methods: Twenty-two nurses prepared 50 insulin doses (n=1100) each. A computer vision device (CVD) measured the volume drawn up and identified air present. Syringes identified as inaccurate by the CVD were confirmed by two observers, and a random sample of 100 syringes identified as accurate was validated by two independent observers. Results: Ten syringes (1.0%) had the wrong volume prepared, and 68 syringes (6.5%) contained air sufficient to meet the definition of inaccuracy. All errors were confirmed by two independent observers. Conclusion: CVDs could reduce insulin administration errors in hospitalized patients.