Transforming Healthcare

Infusion nursing in India has grown from a critical care measure to an essential aspect of medical care across various settings. With the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) India leading the charge, the field is undergoing a transformation marked by innovation, excellence, and a commitment to patient-centred care.

 

Infusion nursing has evolved significantly, transitioning from being primarily a critical care intervention to becoming a crucial component of modern healthcare delivery. Initially restricted to hospital settings, infusion therapies now permeate diverse environments, including homes and outpatient clinics, highlighting their indispensable role in patient care across varied contexts. This evolution is underpinned by rapid advancements in medical technology and pharmaceuticals, which have broadened the scope and application of infusion therapies, integrating them into the treatment protocols of over 90 per cent of hospitalised patients.

Established to uphold and standardise these crucial practices across India, the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) India, affiliated with the renowned US-based INS, stands at the forefront of this movement. Since its inception in December 2010, INS India has strived to mirror and expand upon the pioneering efforts of its American counterpart. It aims not only to set industry benchmarks but also to exceed public expectations through the delivery of exceptional care and the establishment of comprehensive standards.

Leadership and Patronage

At its core, INS India is guided by a distinguished group of healthcare leaders and professionals. Notable figures such as T Dileep Kumar, President of the Indian Nursing Council (INC), Dr Girdhar Gyani, Founder Member of the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI), Dr Vijay Agarwal, President of the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), and Dr Josephine Little Flower, Nursing Advisor to the Government of India, provide invaluable expertise as Honorary Patrons. The Governing Council, led by Col Binu Sharma and Madhukari Ray, steers the society towards its goals with unwavering dedication. Other Founder Members include Lt Col Saravjeet Kaur; Bri Sai Bala Madathil; Dr Jyoti Clara J.M; Thankam Gomez; Dr Prabhu Vinayagam; Clare D’Mello; Cap Sandhya Shankar; Harvinder Kaur Vaid; Purnima Mittal; Girja Sharma; Ajitha Nair; Saroja Jaykumar; Doli Biswas; Bindu George; Cap Neelam Deshwal; Josephine Cyrill; Annu Kaushik; Dr Sunita Arora, and Dr Latha Venkatesan.

INS takes the lead in infusion nursing by developing and disseminating standards of practice, providing professional development opportunities and quality education, advancing best practices through evidence-based practice and research, and supporting professional certification while advocating for the public. INS is committed to excellence, integrity, inclusiveness, and innovation.

Industry Partnerships and Membership

INS India has garnered immense support from industry partners, with over 2000 Lifetime Members nationwide. These industry partners, including Platinum and Associate members, contribute to a collaborative environment that fosters advancement in the field of infusion therapy. Membership in INS India is open to all healthcare professionals involved in infusion therapy, providing a gateway to professional development and growth opportunities.

The National Data Repository Centre, established by INS India, serves as a cornerstone for compiling crucial data related to complications associated with infusion therapy. This initiative aims to heighten awareness among healthcare professionals regarding various complications that may arise from infusion therapy, including occupational hazards such as needle stick injuries and exposure to blood and bodily fluids. By leveraging this extensive dataset, the repository offers invaluable insights used to educate and train aspiring healthcare professionals while simultaneously establishing benchmarks for the nation. Ultimately, these efforts aim to nurture the development and adoption of standardised protocols and practices in infusion therapy, ensuring the well-being of both patients and healthcare professionals.

Endorsement of INS India Standards by MoHFW

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, has officially endorsed the standards established by INS India, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward standardising infusion practices nationwide. This endorsement is of paramount importance as it extends the influence of INS India standards to both pre-service and in-service nurses, integrating them into nursing curriculums and continuous education programs across the country.

With approximately 1.4 million nurses gaining access to these endorsed standards through the INS India website, their significance within the professional sphere is greatly amplified. INS India is actively involved in training student nurses in infusion standards at nursing colleges and is in the process of establishing a Regional Centre for Training on Infusion Standards of Practice. This initiative is designed to provide ongoing training on infusion therapy skills and standards, with experienced nursing professionals serving as trainers.

To further facilitate knowledge dissemination and skill enhancement, INS India is leveraging online platforms and an Android app. These digital tools empower nurses by providing convenient access to resources and training materials, ultimately elevating infusion standards and enhancing patient care outcomes across the healthcare spectrum.

Continuous Professional Development

INS India has introduced online learning courses in collaboration with the World Continuing Education Alliance (WCEA), offering complimentary access to INS lifetime members. This partnership equips Indian nurses and healthcare professionals with essential knowledge and skills to mitigate medication errors and uphold safe infusion practices in accordance with global standards. The WCEA specialises in Continuing Professional Development Learning Management Systems, offering access to a wide array of CPD courses encompassing over 700 modules. By leveraging this platform, INS members gain access to an extensive network of professional development opportunities.

The institutional integration of INS India’s standards is evident in the growing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities adopting the Infusion Standards of Practice program. This program not only ensures consistency in care delivery but also fosters a culture of excellence in infusion therapy across diverse healthcare settings. The momentum of this program is reflected in the significant growth observed during the fiscal year 2019-20, where a total of 10 hospitals enrolled in the program, including renowned establishments and hospital chains committed to upholding the highest standards of care.

Membership in INS India is open to all healthcare professionals engaged in the field of infusion therapy, providing them with access to a wide range of opportunities for professional development. By joining INS India, healthcare professionals gain access to a wealth of resources and educational initiatives designed to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the realm of infusion therapy.

INS India continues to lead the transformation of infusion nursing practices in India, driven by a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and patient-centred care. As INS India expands its influence, it remains dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare delivery both within the country and on a global scale. By continually refining and implementing advanced standards, INS India aims to set benchmarks in infusion therapy, ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-equipped to deliver the highest quality of patient care.

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Box Item: Evolution of Infusion Nursing

The field of infusion nursing has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a measure reserved for critical cases to a highly specialised and pervasive aspect of modern healthcare. Once considered an extreme intervention, infusion therapy is now a cornerstone of medical treatment. Its expansion transcends the traditional confines of hospital settings, with infusion therapies now being administered in diverse environments such as homes, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics.

Fuelling this evolution are the remarkable advancements in pharmacology and technology, which have not only broadened the scope of infusion therapy but also elevated its importance within the healthcare ecosystem. Particularly noteworthy is the rising prevalence of biologic agents, whose delivery via infusion has become increasingly prevalent. As the utilisation of such agents continues to grow, so too does the crucial role played by infusion nurses in their administration and management.

With this expanding role comes a heightened need for specialised expertise and support. Infusion nurses are tasked not only with the safe and effective delivery of therapies but also with staying abreast of the latest developments and best practices in the field. Recognizing this need, the INS has emerged as the preeminent professional organisation dedicated to advancing the practice of infusion nursing.

By providing invaluable resources, education, and advocacy, INS empowers infusion nurses to excel in their roles and deliver the best patient care. Through continuous training and support, infusion nurses are equipped to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare with confidence and pride.

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