Smart Pump EHR integration has evolved far beyond manual programming and fragmented workflows. Today, leading healthcare organizations are turning to automated solutions that enhance patient safety, streamline clinical processes, and improve documentation accuracy. If you’re a healthcare organization exploring Smart Pump integration, Accelero Connect® by iatricSystems offers a proven, bidirectional solution that connects your smart pumps to your EHR.
In a recent webinar, Alberta Guy, BSN, RN—the Product Owner of Accelero Connect with over 20 years nursing experience—demonstrated how automation is transforming bedside care. She showcased how an early adopter reduced a 17-step manual process to just five simple steps, all while enabling real-time, accurate data capture.
Here’s a breakdown of the 5 essential steps to start smart pump integration using Accelero Connect:
Step 1: Ensure the Pump Is Ready
Before any programming begins, the nurse must confirm the pump is powered on and connected to the wireless network. Each pump vendor may have specific requirements to prepare the pump, so initial setup guidance from the vendor is critical.
Step 2: Complete Barcode Medication Verification (BMV)
The nurse scans the patient’s ID and the medication barcode as part of the standard BMV process. This is already integrated into the nursing workflow, ensuring patient safety through accurate identification and medication matching.
Step 3: Send the Order to the Smart Pump
This is where the magic begins. A new “Send to Smart Pump” button appears in the EHR medication administration screen. Powered by iatricSystems’ FlexButton™ technology, it launches the Accelero Connect programming module.
- The nurse then scans the barcode on the pump twice using the same scanner—first to identify the device, and second to confirm and send the programming order.
- This double-scan feature eliminates unnecessary bedside movement, a favorite among nurses.
Step 4: Confirm Pump Acknowledgement
Once Accelero Connect sends the medication details to the smart pump via the vendor’s gateway, the system waits for an IHE-compliant acknowledgement that the pump has received and validated the data. A green confirmation box appears when everything aligns, signaling the nurse to proceed.
Step 5: Verify and Start the Infusion
The nurse checks the pump to ensure the correct drug and rate appear—no more manual input required. After confirming the five rights of medication administration, the nurse presses Start, triggering auto documentation that flows back into the EHR in real-time.
Why These 5 Steps Matter
By reducing the workflow to five core steps, Accelero Connect enhances nurse efficiency, reduces medication errors, and supports compliance efforts. With built-in auto documentation, the system records infusion start/stop times, volumes, rate changes, and more—crucial for CMS reporting, titration tracking, and billing accuracy.
Bonus: Customization & Multi-Vendor Support
Accelero Connect supports large volume, PCA, and syringe pumps, and can integrate across multiple pump vendors within the same facility. Whether you’re using ICU Medical in med-surg and B. Braun in PACU, Accelero can unify your infusion documentation process.
Ready to Start?
Implementing smart pump integration is a journey that includes:
- Pre-installation setup
- Functional and comprehensive testing
- Drug library alignment
- Clinical workflow design
- Nurse training and go-live prep
With a typical project timeline of 6 months, the key to success is collaboration between nursing, pharmacy, IT, and clinical analysts—supported every step of the way by the Accelero Connect team.