Enhancing safety and compliance: The role of IV workflow management systems in modern pharmacy practice

This guide is designed to help pharmacy staff understand the role of IVWMS in sterile compounding environments, evaluate system options effectively, and make informed decisions that prioritize patient safety and operational excellence.

Intravenous Workflow Management Systems (IVWMS) are advanced technology solutions designed to enhance the safety, compliance, and efficiency of sterile compounding by incorporating critical features such as:

  1. Workflow management software
  2. Barcode scanning
  3. Volume verification
  4. Auto labeling
  5. Auto documentation

By automating critical steps in the intravenous (IV) preparation process, an IVWMS provides an essential layer of verification and accountability. It also aligns with best practice recommendations from key industry organizations, including the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), and THRIV.

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Key Findings

Why this report matters to pharmacy practices

As healthcare organizations continue to prioritize patient safety, now is the time for pharmacy leaders to consider investing in IV workflow technology. Implementing an IVWMS is not merely an operational upgrade; it is a strategic commitment to quality, safety, and excellence in medication preparation and administration.

This guide’s four-cornerstone roadmap for IVWMS implementation

Structure the implementation plan
 Establish a strong foundation for IVWMS adoption by conducting comprehensive Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and return-on-investment (ROI) analyses before scaling.

Prioritize staff training and competency assessments
 Ensure successful adoption by equipping staff with thorough training, ongoing competency evaluations, and strategies to overcome workflow and change management challenges.

Standardize procedures for consistency and safety
 Drive safer, more consistent compounding by implementing standardized procedures and SOPs that reduce variability and support compliance.

Enhance operations through continuous improvement
 Leverage IVWMS data, reporting, and audits to uncover insights, optimize workflows, and continuously improve safety, efficiency, and resource utilization.

Benefits of an IVWMS

Reduced human error via automation

Standardized, automated verification

Complete digital records of each step

IVWMS Adoption Rates: 2019 vs. 2025

The 2025 Pharmacy Purchasing & Products State of Pharmacy Compounding Survey reported that 56% of facilities had adopted an IVWMS, over double the 26% adoption rate in 2019. This significant growth underscores the increasing recognition of these systems as a critical component of pharmacy operations.

The adoption of IVWMS is increasingly recognized as a key component of modern pharmacy operations, similar to the widespread use of automated dispensing cabinets and smart infusion pumps. Automation in sterile compounding is not simply a convenience; it is a patient safety imperative.

IVWMS Guide Adoption Rate Graphic

IVWMS Adoption Rates: 2019 vs. 2025

Actionable Insights

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IV Workflow Implementation and Change Management Guide
Pharmacy Change Management Guide
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References

  1. ASHP. IV Workflow Implementation Checklist. 2022. Accessed on Dec 17, 2025. Accessed at: https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/pharmacy-practice/resource-centers/compounding/docs/IV-Workflow-Implementation-Checklist.pdf
  2. State of Pharmacy Compounding 2025 Survey. Pharm Purch Prod. 2025; 4:1-44.
  3. ISMP. Maximize benefits of IV workflow management systems by addressing workarounds and errors. September 2017. Accessed on Dec 17, 2025. Accessed at: https://www.ismp.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2018-03/20170907.pdf
  4. Cassidy RE, Joseph J. Leveraging IV Workflow for Error Prevention. Pharm Purch Prod. 2020; (17) 4:20.
  5. Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). ISMP Guidelines for Sterile Compounding and the Safe Use of Sterile Compounding Technology. ISMP; 2022.
  6. THRIV. THRIV 5: IV Workflow Management System (IV-WMS) Technology Checklist. Accessed on Dec 18, 2025. Accessed at: https://www.thrivcoalition.org/technology-checklist/
  7. Brasher C, Smith K, Daniels CC. Implementing IV Workflow Management Systems. Pharm Purch Prod. 2022. (19) 4:2.
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