Infusion Pump: An Indispensable Healthcare Product

Infusion therapy is the process of administering medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream of a patient. Infusion therapy is used to treat both mild and serious conditions, where the patient is either unable to swallow medication or requires quick relief.

Infusion therapy is a common procedure employed across a wide variety of healthcare environments. It does, however, require access to a number of consumables. One of these is an infusion pump.

Infusion therapy: an overview

During infusion therapy, medications and fluids are delivered to the patient's bloodstream via assorted products including ports, drip chambers, and infusion pumps.

There are a variety of infusion pumps available on the market, including large volume pumps, patient controlled pumps, enteral pumps, and insulin pumps. Depending on the clinical setting, a patient may be attached to a stationary or portable pumping device.

Healthcare professionals use infusion procedures to treat cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, dehydration, cardiovascular diseases, and several other such conditions — typically in situations whereby the patient responds better to intravenous administration of fluids.

With the rising prevalence of chronic conditions, complete infusion therapy equipment has become a must-have for every medical facility, causing the infusion therapy market to grow at a faster pace now than ever before.

Where does infusion therapy occur?

While we most commonly associate infusion therapy with a hospital setting, innovative equipment developments and improved training in healthcare professionals means that IV treatment can occur across a variety of healthcare environments.

Hospitals

General hospitals require infusion therapy for common conditions including dehydration, diabetes, and severe cases of the flu. IV therapy is also required post surgery and in a critical care environment. More often than not, a patient seeking treatment in a hospital setting will require infusion therapy.

Specialty clinics

Specialty clinics are significant consumers in the infusion therapy market. Clinics including cancer treatment centres, cardiac hospitals, trauma centres, and other acute care centres receive patients who are suffering severe health conditions and require immediate, intravenous treatment.

Ambulatory surgical centres (outpatient care)

Ambulatory surgical centres provide clinical treatment to patients without formally admitting them to hospital. Typically this includes consultations with a doctor, x-rays and scans, same-day emergency care, and chemotherapy or radiation.

Various procedures including antibiotics infusions, blood transfusions, and chemotherapy are conducted in ambulatory surgical centres, largely for the patient’s convenience.

Aged care

Patients in aged care often suffer from chronic disorders (including arthritis and diabetes) that require infusion therapy. It is not practical for these patients to visit the hospital on a frequent basis, and so aged care homes are well-equipped with infusion therapy products.

Infusion therapy is a rapidly growing market that is only expected to expand. It is a safe, effective, and reliable procedure that is convenient for both patients and treating clinicians. All medical facilities — be they critical care wards or aged care homes — can benefit from investing in quality infusion equipment (including infusion pumps) and keeping an eye on developments in the infusion therapy market.