IV Drug Therapy Course

IV Drug Therapy – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces the principles and safety considerations involved in intravenous (IV) drug therapy. It explores medication preparation, administration procedures, professional responsibilities, infection prevention and the management of potential complications. Learners also develop an understanding of medication errors, blood administration processes and the checks used to support safer medicines practice. The course takes approximately one hour to complete and is worth 1 CPD point.

Please note: This is an introductory, Level 1 course providing theoretical knowledge of IV drug therapy. It does not replace practical training, clinical supervision or any role-specific training an employer requires before a person undertakes IV medication preparation or administration.

What the course covers
• Professional accountability and safety in IV drug therapy
• IV administration guidance and procedures
• Different methods of intravenous drug administration
• IV line management and administration rates
• Medication reconstitution and dilution
• Potential hazards during IV preparation
• Particles, pyrogens and microbial contamination in IV solutions
• Medication stability, compatibility and mixing considerations
• Common medication and administration errors
• Preventing, reporting and responding to medication errors
• Patient Group Directions
• Potential complications associated with IV therapy
• Anaphylaxis, including triggers, signs and treatment approaches
• Infection prevention and routes of transmission
• Breaking the chain of infection
• Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) scoring and phlebitis severity
• Blood transfusion processes and blood component administration
• Red cell compatibility, platelets and fresh frozen plasma
• Irradiated blood labelling and blood administration instructions
• Blood tracking procedures and systems

Who is it for?
This course is designed for healthcare professionals and support staff whose roles involve IV drug therapy, medication safety or related patient care. It is suitable for introductory learning, staff induction, refresher training and knowledge enhancement.

Relevant roles include:
• Registered nurses, nurse practitioners and specialist nurses
• Doctors working in clinical settings
• Pharmacists involved in IV medication preparation and supply
• Paramedics
• Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs)
• Midwives
• Healthcare assistants supporting patient observation and IV therapy care
• Other healthcare staff seeking introductory knowledge relevant to their responsibilities

Practical benefits
• Develop an understanding of safe IV medicines practice
• Recognise the importance of professional accountability and working within the limits of competence
• Understand the checks involved in medication preparation and administration
• Identify common medication errors and factors that may contribute to them
• Recognise potential adverse reactions and complications requiring escalation
• Understand infection prevention measures relevant to IV therapy
• Improve awareness of medication documentation, incident reporting and patient involvement
• Gain knowledge of blood administration processes and associated safety considerations
• Receive a free CPD-accredited certificate after successfully completing the course quiz

What learners will be able to do
• Explain key principles of safe medicines practice
• Understand professional responsibilities and limits of competence
• Recognise the importance of accurate medication records
• Identify appropriate checks before supporting or administering medicines
• Recognise common medication errors and associated risk factors
• Identify adverse effects, changes in condition and concerns that require escalation
• Understand safe medication storage, handling and disposal principles
• Follow appropriate procedures for reporting medication incidents and errors
• Understand the importance of involving individuals in decisions about their medicines where appropriate
• Recognise potential IV therapy complications and the importance of seeking appropriate clinical support

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz at the end of the course. On successful completion, they receive a free CPD-accredited IV Drug Therapy certificate, which can be downloaded or printed. Unlimited assessment retakes are available. The course is delivered online and takes approximately one hour to complete.