<< Back to News

7/1/22 aa Important Note: Refrain from 'Void' Action on Continuous Drips
July 12, 2022

From: "Aaron Atkins" <aaron.atkins@hhsys.org>
To: "Pharmacists" <grp_allpharm@hhsys.org>
Cc: "Amy Pope" <amy.pope@hhsys.org>, "Cassi Gibbs" <cassandra.gibbs@hhsys.org>, "Tiffany Trainer" <tiffany.trainer@hhsys.org>, "Charlene Robinson" <charlene.robinson@hhsys.org>
Sent: Friday, July 1, 2022 8:20:33 AM
Subject: Important Note: Refrain from 'Void' Action on Continuous Drips

Please Avoid “Void” Action for Continuous Orders Which are Discontinued

We have recently learned that orders which have the ‘Void’ action applied do not show in a Nurse’s Care Compass order updates list (screenshot example below showing a Discontinued Octreotide).  Normally, this is not an issue for Medication/Intermittent order types since it removes the tasks (future and past) from the MAR so that the Nurse is not prompted to administer.  However, for a CONTINUOUS order that is already infusing, this also means that they are not alerted to stop a currently infusing fluid/medication if the order is VOIDED instead of DISCONTINUED.  Therefore, the continuous drip remains infusing beyond the intended discontinue date/time and may not be noticed until a new bag is meant to be administered.  Given this, please refrain from utilizing the ‘Void’ action on a continuous order going forward and instead use 'Discontinue' unless it actually is an order entered in error and the infusion has not started on the patient.

Know Why and Comply:

Why? If you Void an infusion that is currently running, the nurse is not notified in their 'Care Compass' to stop the drip.  Discontinues of drips do show on 'Care Compass'. This can get a bit more complicated when Voiding a PowerPlan.  You may want to Discontinue PowerPlans instead without checking to keep anything (unless there are scheduled tasks outstanding), or otherwise Discontinue any active drips first and then Void the PowerPlan prior to clicking Sign.

Please reach out if you have any questions.