Typically, infusion pumps are operated by trained users who program the infusion speed and duration through a built-in software interface. Infusion pumps offer significant advantages over manual infusion, including the ability to deliver liquids in very small volumes, as well as the ability to deliver liquids at precisely programmed rates or automatic intervals. They can deliver nutrients or medications, such as insulin or other hormones, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and painkillers.

There are many types of infusion pumps, including high-volume, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), elastomer, syringe, enteral, and insulin pumps. Some designs are primarily designed for stationary use at the patient's bedside. Other pumps, known as flow infusion pumps, are designed to be portable or wearable.

pump failures can have a significant impact on patient safety as infusion pumps are frequently used to administer critical fluids, including high-risk medications. Many infusion pumps are equipped with safety features such as alarms or other operator alert.

For example, some pumps are designed to alert the user when air or other blockages are detected in the pipes that deliver fluids to the patient. Some newer infusion pumps, often referred to as smart pumps, are designed to alert the user when there is a risk of adverse drug interactions or when the user sets the pump's parameters outside of specified safety limits.

Over the past few years, significant safety issues related to infusion pumps have attracted a lot of attention. These issues can affect the safe use of external infusion pumps and lead to too much or too little infusion, missed treatment, or delayed treatment.

From 2005 to 2009, there were approximately 56,000 reports of adverse events related to the use of infusion pumps, including many injuries and deaths. During this time, manufacturers recalled 87 infusion pumps to address identified safety issues.

Of those, 70 recalls were designated as: Category II, which applies to situations where the use of the recalled device may result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or a small probability of serious adverse health consequences. 14 recalls belong to I class, in which case there is a reasonable possibility that the use of the recalled device will result in serious adverse health consequences or death. These adverse event reports and device recalls are not isolated from a specific manufacturer, infusion pump type, or environment in which they are used; Rather, they happen across the board.