Given the recent and impressive increase in CSTD adoptions during drug administration, nurses are now extended the same level of safety protections that pharmacy has long enjoyed. This is key data worth celebrating. Because pharmacy drives most of these purchases, it underscores the ongoing importance of pharmacy’s leadership in ensuring safe HD practices for all staff members, including those outside of pharmacy. To achieve compliance with USP <800>, CSTDs must be used during drug administration when the dosage form permits. As such, it is essential that pharmacy ensures nursing is not only provided with CSTDs, but is also properly trained to utilize these devices for the benefit of both their patients’ and their own safety.

Facilities of all sizes are committed to expanding CSTD usage during drug administration to ensure the safety of nursing staff.

CSTD usage continues to expand during drug administration; this year saw CSTD implementations for drug administration jump from 79% to 85%. This expansion will continue with the implementation rate projected to exceed the 90% mark shortly.

The 99% satisfaction rating underscores that CSTDs are well received by nursing. Pharmacists share that 84% of nursing rate their CSTDs as Excellent or Good.