eLearning: All courses

The primary purpose of these eLearning modules is help improve the safety of multiple IV infusions. In particular, the modules focus on addressing known education gaps associated with setting up and managing secondary IV infusions and shared infusion volume (i.e., the common volume shared by 2 or more infusates). They are intended for clinicians, students and educators working in clinical settings such as critical care, medical/surgical, and paediatric units.

These modules were developed by HumanEra (University Health Network) with funding from Health Quality Ontario

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Module 1 - Secondary IV Infusions - Check the Setup

This module cover common errors related to the physical set up of secondary infusions and the importance of checking your set up above the pump. In particular, this module covers:

Hydrostatic pressure principles in relation to the set up of secondary infusions
The importance of the back-check valve in preventing backflow
How secondary flow rates may affect the set up requirements of secondary infusions

Note: Most of the content in this Module is focused on secondary IV infusions administered by infusion pumps that require the secondary container to be hung higher than the primary container (i.e., pumps that cannot independently control fluid flow from secondary and primary bags).

Module 2 - Secondary Infusion Shared Infusion Volume

This module reviews hazards related to secondary and primary infusions sharing the IV tubing below the pump. In particular, this module covers:

The definition of shared infusion volume
Shared infusion volume considerations at the start of a secondary infusion
Shared infusion volume considerations at the end of a secondary infusion
Shared infusion volume considerations in relation to the secondary infusion mode
Shared volume considerations in relation to prematurely stopping a secondary infusion

Module 3 - Shared Infusion Volume - Part One

This is the first module in a two part series about shared infusion volume. This first module focuses on common hazards associated with medications remaining in IV tubing and components. In particular, this module covers:

The definition of shared infusion volume
Shared infusion volume considerations after the administration of an IV medication syringe push dose
Shared infusion volume considerations in relation to changing IV bags with different medication concentrations
Shared volume considerations in relation to central venous pressure monitoring and IV medication administration

Module 4 - Shared Infusion Volume - Part Two

This is the second module in a two part series about shared infusion volume. This second module covers shared infusion volume considerations when a change in rate is made to a connected infusion. While it is most applicable to Critical Care Nurses, it may also be relevant to other nurses when multiple infusions must be connected. In particular, this module covers:

Tactics to minimize shared infusion volume when multiple continuous IV infusions must be connected
Grouping infusions to minimize the impact of shared infusion volume on the patient
Shared infusion volume considerations when completing a tubing change