Smart Pump Operations

Every Drop Counts. Every Second Matters.

Between 2005 and 2023, the FDA MAUDE database recorded 204,163 adverse events involving infusion pumps — making them the most-reported medical device category in the United States. Smart pumps with dose error reduction software can prevent up to 80% of programming errors, but only when clinicians know how to use them correctly. This workshop puts you in front of real BD Alaris and Plum 360 pumps so you can program, titrate, and troubleshoot with confidence.

Lead Faculty / CPE Administrator: Jimmy Pruitt, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, BCEMP

In-Person Facilitators: Andrea Jaggernauth, RN • Jasmine Jones, RN • Jade Thompson, RN

All faculty, planners, and content reviewers involved in this CE activity have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships with any ineligible companies. This activity was planned and implemented in accordance with ACPE Standards for Integrity and Independence.

Prework Objectives (Knowledge-Based)

Upon completion of the prework, the pharmacist will be able to:

1. Identify the key components and interface elements of the BD Alaris and Plum 360 infusion systems including channel modules, pump displays, and navigation
2. Describe the process for loading a primary IV set, priming the line, and eliminating air from tubing on both Alaris and Plum platforms
3. Explain how drug library and guardrail software (BD Alaris CQI, Plum dose-error reduction) function to prevent programming errors
4. List the steps for programming a basic continuous infusion, an intermittent IVPB infusion, and a weight-based drip including unit conversions (mcg/kg/min, units/hr, mL/hr)
5. Describe the documentation requirements at each phase of smart pump use: pump verification, rate confirmation, titration documentation, bag changes, and line labeling per Joint Commission/CMS standards
6. Recognize common smart pump alarms (air-in-line, occlusion upstream/downstream, dose limit alert, near-end-of-infusion) and the appropriate initial response for each

In-Person Objectives (Application-Based)

Upon completion of the in-person session, the pharmacist will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proper IV line setup, priming, and loading into an Alaris and/or Plum smart pump
2. Program a weight-based continuous drip, an intermittent IVPB, and perform a mid-infusion titration using the drug library with guardrails active
3. Respond appropriately to smart pump alarms (air-in-line, occlusion, dose limit) by troubleshooting and resolving the alert
4. Complete accurate pump documentation including rate verification, titration log entries, line labels, and bag change records per institutional and Joint Commission standards

Provider: Pharmacy Pearls LLC (#0683)

Prework UAN: 0683-9999-26-004-H05-P  |  1.5 contact hours  |  Knowledge-based

In-Person UAN: 0683-9999-26-005-L05-P  |  1.0 contact hours  |  Application-based

Total CE: 2.5 contact hours (0.25 CEU)

Target Audience: Pharmacists

Release Date: March 30, 2026  |  Expiration Date: March 30, 2029

Joint Providership: This activity is jointly provided by Pharmacy Pearls LLC and Society of Emergency Medicine Pharmacists (SEMP).

Pharmacy Pearls LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is accredited for 2.5 contact hours (0.25 CEU) of continuing pharmacy education credit.

• Pre-Assessment: 15 questions, 70% passing score (11 of 15 correct) required to unlock the in-person session
• Retries: Unlimited — you can retake the pre-assessment as many times as needed
• Knowledge Checks: Formative quizzes embedded in each module with immediate feedback
• Prework Lessons: All 6 lessons must be marked complete
• In-Person Attendance: Required on April 10, 2026 — hands-on pump stations + alarm troubleshooting + documentation audit
• CE Evaluation: Must complete the CE evaluation form to receive credit