Management of residual volumes in intermittent medication infusions in hospitals: a scoping review protocol.

Abstract

Background: Administration of intermittent medication through intravenous infusions is common practice. However, recent literature questions whether current practices deliver full doses of prescribed medications.

Objective: This protocol outlines the methodology intended to profile literature describing management of residual volume in medication administration lines.

Methods: The proposed review will use Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology to scope the literature, following a six-step framework. Searches will be conducted in electronic databases, and websites of societies providing guidelines for intravenous therapy. Three reviewers will use the 'PCC' framework to carry out two levels of screening. Results will be tabulated, described, and discussed in a narrative analysis.

Conclusion: This review will improve understanding of current practices by examining flushing procedures used in the management of residual volume, identifying instances when residual volume is discarded, documenting effects on dosing, examining the impact on patient outcomes, and examining possible environmental harm from waste disposal of undelivered medication.