In early 2025, Kaiser Permanente Redwood City embarked on a major initiative to enhance patient safety by integrating B Braun smart pump technology with the electronic medical record (EMR). This upgrade streamlined intravenous (IV) medication delivery, pump programming, and documentation into one seamless process.

Before integration, nurses manually programmed pumps and recorded infusion volumes in the EMR, a time-consuming process that carried risk for human error. With the new system, a simple barcode scan electronically transmits infusion details to the pump, programs it remotely, and accurately records fluid volumes in the EMR. This added layer of verification ensures correct medication and pump settings, significantly reducing the potential for medication errors.

The transition was a collaborative learning experience between clinical nurses and the nursing professional development department. Medical-surgical nurses Joli Ngo, BSN, RN, and Angelica Fadayel, BSN, RN, led dozens of hours of training over six weeks, guiding peers through hands-on practice and troubleshooting. Their calm, capable leadership helped ease the stress of this impactful change. In addition, bedside staff champions from each unit played a critical role during the go-live phase, reinforcing skills and supporting colleagues in real time.

B Braun pump integration continues to evolve, but one thing remains clear: the peer leadership and teamwork demonstrated during this rollout were instrumental in overcoming initial challenges and setting the stage for safer, smarter patient care.