Carlos Holmes Hernandez Chavez

Foundation Valley of the Lili, Colombia

Abstract Title: Smart Pumps and DERS Technology: Transforming Hospital Care for a Safe Future

Biography:

Carlos Holmes Hernandez, a nursing professional who serves as the DERS Program Leader for infusion therapies at the Valle del Lili University Hospital Foundation, holds specializations in Health Service Management, Pedagogy and Teaching, and Clinical Engineering. He also works as a clinical supervisor at the institution.

Research Interest:

1. Introduction: Errors in intravenous drug administration pose a significant threat to hospitalized patient safety, particularly during the administration phase, which is characterized by high complexity and limited traceability (1). Smart infusion pumps equipped with Dose Error Reduction Systems (DERS) integrate drug libraries with safety parameters, preventing errors and generating alerts for pressure variations caused by occlusions or interruptions.
2. Aim: To strengthen clinical safety in intravenous therapy at Fundacion Valle de Lili through the implementation, monitoring, and continuous evaluation of the DERS system in smart pumps.
3. Methodology: A quality improvement strategy based on the PDCA cycle focused on integrating smart technologies into the institutional clinical risk model. The intervention utilized DERS to record events, alarms, and changes in pump programming. This data was subsequently analyzed through clinical pharmacovigilance processes and structured reports.
4. Results and Conclusions: A reduction in adverse events, such as phlebitis, was observed and attributed to timely responses triggered by early warnings. Between December 2024 and July 2025, the percentage of programs within safe limits—an indicator of compliance with safety parameters—remained between 85% and 89%. Programs categorized as "basic infusions" (those programmed without selecting a specific medication from the library) remained low and stable (5% to 8%), reflecting strong adherence to standardized medication selection and minimized risks.
5. Applicability: The DERS system provides a technological and innovative solution for clinical risk management. It offers a comprehensive view of safe drug administration, promoting humanization and patient safety.