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PDF Printer Version Brochure - Home Healthcare Medical Devices: Infusion Therapy - Getting the Most Out of Your Pump

Infusion therapy involves medicines and fluids given through a catheter into your bloodstream. Therapies commonly used include antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, pain medicines, and nutrients. This brochure gives you information on how to safely use your infusion pump that plays a major role during infusion therapy.

What do you do before using your infusion pump?

What is your role in maintaining your pump?

What is the role of your home healthcare provider and supplier in your infusion therapy?

Your home healthcare provider will

Your pump supplier will

What are the most common problems with an infusion pump and how do you manage them?

Over- or under-infusion - infusion pump does not deliver the correct dose at the proper rate

Wrong programming

Wrong prescription

Batteries

What problems should prompt you to call your home healthcare provider?

Call 911 for life-threatening emergency.

What should you do to prepare for an emergency?

When can you expect results from your therapy?

Every person's condition is different; it is not easy to say when the therapy will begin to work.

Always call your home healthcare provider if you have questions

What do you need to know about traveling with your infusion pump?

How do you report any close calls, serious injuries, or deaths?

Report these events to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-332-1088 (24 hours) and to your suppliers. FDA will take action when needed to protect the public's health. For more information, visit our website: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/how.htm

Endorsing Organizations

American Association for Homecare: http://www.aahomecare.org
National Association for Home Care and Hospice: http://www.nahc.org
The National Home Infusion Association: http://www.nhianet.org
Infusion Nurses Society: http://www.ins1.org

Many thanks to INOVA Visiting Nurses and our Endorsing Organizations for their assistance in our brochure development.

Caregiver Tips for Children on Infusion Therapy

What is your role as a caregiver?

  • Explain the reasons for using the pump and infusion therapy.
    • Use language your child will understand.
    • Encourage your child to ask questions.
    • Be honest and try to use positive words and pictures.
  • Show your child how he or she can help.
    • Allow children to help with their own care.
    • For a small child, try play-acting with a doll.
  • Check on your child as often as your home healthcare provider recommends.
    • A younger child may need to be checked more often than an older child.
  • Report any change in your child's physical or mental condition to your home healthcare provider.
  • Encourage children to play in a manner that is safe while they are receiving therapy.
  • If you have any concerns, speak with your home healthcare provider.

For additional government sources and information visit:

CDRH Home Healthcare Committee
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/cdrhhhc/

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December 2004

This brochure is not copyrighted and may be republished or reprinted without permission from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Credit given to FDA as the source is appreciated.

Updated February 7, 2005

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