Ambulatory Infusion Systems
GREATER MOBILITY FOR MORE PATIENTS
Baxter created the first elastomeric ambulatory infusion system more than 30 years ago. Our elastomeric ambulatory infusion systems give patients the option of receiving infusion therapy without being confined to a hospital bed. Our broad range of devices and our support for their widespread use help hospitals and clinicians deliver care in today's healthcare environment.
AN ESTABLISHED THERAPY ALTERNATIVE
Ambulatory therapy with elastomeric devices is an alternative to inpatient treatment that results in satisfied patients, improved cost and reduced capital impact on healthcare institutions.1-4 This therapy option has been shown to be effective in delivering outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), chemotherapy for colorectal cancer and anaesthesia for pain management.2,3,5-7
OPAT has been proven to result in admission avoidance and reduced length of stay in hospital, with associated increases in inpatient capacity; significant cost savings compared to inpatient care; reduction in the risk of healthcare-associated infection; and improved patient choice and satisfaction.8 Moreover, OPAT is associated with a similar overall prevalence of adverse events relative to completion of intravenous (IV) antimicrobial therapy in hospital.9
Simple self-care using elastomeric devices for antibiotic administration contributes to reduced reliance on nursing resources, while providing patient-centred service with stable clinical outcomes.10 Continuous infusion of antibiotics via elastomeric devices can save nurses’ time by reducing the number of home visits to administer antibiotics, which must usually be infused multiple times per day.11
In a multicentre international study of adjuvant treatment for colon cancer, the standard chemotherapy regimen for colorectal cancer (FOLFOX, which includes the drugs leucovorin calcium [folinic acid], fluorouracil and oxaliplatin) was established using Baxter elastomeric devices.6
SIMPLE DESIGN AND EASY OPERATION
Various Baxter elastomeric ambulatory infusion devices can accommodate medications requiring slow flow at a single rate, slow flow at multiple rates or fast flow at a single rate (multiple options).12 No matter which flow type is needed, Baxter devices have a simple design and are easy to operate. They do not require programming or maintenance, feature alarms calling for intervention, or use power cords, batteries or IV poles. Besides lessening nurse workload when they are used in a hospital setting, their simple functionality and elimination of programming can help reduce the risk of medication errors.4 Because Baxter's elastomeric products have closed infusion lines, they can minimise drug contamination and accidental patient contact with medications.13
PATIENT FREEDOM, CLINICIAN CONFIDENCE
With their simple design and various flow rate options, Baxter’s fully portable, easy-to-use, discreet devices appeal to patients, affording them greater freedom and mobility, and help to inspire confidence among clinicians, simplifying life for both.2,4
Patients have shown a preference for ambulatory elastomeric pumps over ambulatory electronic pumps, given their lower weight, smaller size, user friendliness and reduced interference with daily activities.2,4 With an elastomeric device, patients are not confined to a hospital bed and can receive care in the comfort and privacy of their own home.2,3,14,15
Clinicians can feel secure in using Baxter devices to deliver medication because of our advanced engineering and manufacturing processes. The available options enable clinicians to select the right device for each patient's therapeutic need.3
Up to 15%
+/- 10% to 15% flow rate accuracy, depending on device type12,15
~4.5M
About 4.5M infusions for oncology, antibiotic therapy and pain management delivered annually via Baxter elastomeric pumps16
100+
100+ drugs used for rigorous testing to determine drug stability17
BAXTER SUPPORT
Baxter has invested in expanding manufacturing capacity, supporting centres of excellence around the globe to advance therapy and clinical education, and engaging in ongoing pharmacoeconomic and investigator-initiated studies of treatment with ambulatory infusion systems. Our customer service and clinician education and training provide important support for healthcare professionals, and our patient education programs enable patients to move home without the need for nursing support.
Baxter also supports clinicians with an extensive drug stability library for its elastomeric devices. For more than 30 years, our R&D group has been conducting rigorous stability studies of drugs used in our elastomeric pumps, employing a standardised methodology to ensure consistent quality. The library currently contains data for more than 100 drugs, and we are committed to investing in additional stability studies to reflect evolving practices and standards.
Existing stability data is available in Baxter's Stabforum Stability Database.
For safe and proper use of the products mentioned herein, please refer to the appropriate Operator's Manual or Instructions for Use.
Baxter is a trademark of Baxter International Inc. or its subsidiaries.
