Given the risks intrinsic to manual medication compounding and the potential for significant harm to result from a compounding error, it makes sense to automate as much of the admixture practice as possible. In fact, ISMP recommends that facilities engaging in IV compounding incorporate technology such as bar code scanning and gravimetrics into their processes. Fortunately, the adoption rates for IV workflow automation systems continue to climb upward, although this technology has yet to be adopted by a majority of facilities. Given the variety of IV workflow management products available in the marketplace, it is important to evaluate the features available from different vendors. In addition to the verification features listed below, consider the effectiveness of the system’s reporting capabilities. With the implementation of this technology, the facility should reap both the expected safety benefits as well as an increase in efficiency driven by data reports.

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