Time and cost evaluation of premixed lidocaine as a component of a pharmacy-based I.V. admixture program

Abstract

In a continuous effort to expand the intravenous admixture services provided by the Department of Pharmacy Services at the Brighman and Women's Hospital in a cost-effective manner, a time/motion and cost study was completed by our institution in February 1983. The purpose of this study was to assess the merits to premixed parenteral admixture solutions. Premixed Lidocaine Hydrochloride and 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, was selected as a prototype for evaluation. Adopting the premixed concept brings a number of advantages, including reduction of fixed hospital labor expenses incurred with extemporaneous preparation of intravenous solutions and increased consistency in the quality and labelling of the final product. In addition, daily fluctuations in the number of intravenous solutions that are needed would have little or no effect on the complement of nursing staff required for the shift.