Administration of Intravenous Therapy

This policy aims to provide a framework to provide assurance of safe practice in the administration of prescribed intravenous therapy deemed appropriate to be managed outside of acute care, to patients in their own home by nurses working in a community setting.  It provides assurance that practice is safe for the patient, those administering the medication and the prescriber.

This policy has been developed in partnership with NHS Lothian & HSCP management teams, Lothian community nursing services and relevant stakeholders and reflects current guidelines, training and clinical expertise.  The policy details information regarding the scope, roles responsibilities and training required to support patients to receive intravenous therapy safely at home.  The policy supports a person-centred approach to patient care and aims to facilitate the delivery of intravenous therapy to appropriate patients in a community setting, providing an element of choice.  The policy supports the facilitation of early discharge from hospital and prevention of hospital admissions.