Infusion Nurses Society Releases New Business Case for Infusion Teams

NORWOOD, Mass., May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) today announced the release of its latest publication for infusion therapy professionals, "Making the Business Case for Infusion Teams: The Purpose, People, and Process." INS' volunteer Infusion Team Task Force, led by Chair Lynn Hadaway, MEd, RN-BC, CRNI^®, developed the business case as a follow-up to their 2013 INS white paper, "Infusion Teams in Acute Care Hospitals: Call for a Business Approach."

Infusion teams and infusion nurses are recognized as experts in infusion care delivery. Infusion nurses are experienced and knowledgeable in general nursing practices, having gained competence through years of practice. In the 1990s, hospitals began to shift infusion responsibility from physicians to teams of skilled infusion nurses, freeing up other health care professionals to concentrate on their areas of expertise. However, at the turn of the 21st century, when cost-control became a higher priority for many institutions, the infusion teams that had been built were dismantled in an effort to cut costs.

The United States is in the early stages of restructuring many aspects of financing its health care system with the introduction of value-based payments and pay-for-performance programs. The impact of these changes on infusion teams is yet to be determined; however, the renewed emphasis is on improving patient outcomes and safety, such as the reduction of all vascular access device and infusion-related complications and implementation of recognized standards and guidelines, could be supportive of infusion teams.

This publication demonstrates to infusion therapy professionals how to build or expand on an infusion team. It contains comprehensive information with strong clinical data for comparison and careful financial analysis to secure funding for the proposal. Task Force Chair Lynn Hadaway stated: "Currently, some hospitals enjoy the financial and clinical benefits of infusion nurse specialists working on infusion teams. Our goal for this paper is to educate infusion nurse leaders about the process needed to make the business case for infusion teams. This information will educate nurses about how to convert the care we provide and the outcomes we produce into financial terms, a skill that is critical to enhance our communication with executive officers and other decision makers within the hospital."

INS CEO Mary Alexander, MA, RN, CRNI^®, CAE, FAAN, noted: "While the financial viability of any health care system is critical to an organization's success, recognition of the contributions that infusion teams make must be considered. Stating the business case for specialized infusion services will not only demonstrate the benefit to the fiscal bottom line, but it will also show the positive impact on patient safety and quality that can be achieved."

Access the publication at the INS Web site: http://www.ins1.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3412

The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) is a professional association dedicated to enhancing infusion practices that will improve patient outcomes. Recognized as the global authority in infusion therapy, INS is dedicated to exceeding the public's expectations of excellence by setting the standard for infusion care.

CONTACT: Dorothy Lohmann
(781) 440-9408 x 339 May 15, 2014
[email protected]

SOURCE Infusion Nurses Society