IVonly

IVonly is a term used in medical informatics and device design to denote a system, protocol, or product line intended to enforce intravenous administration as the sole route for specified medications. In its envisioned form, IVonly combines dedicated infusion pumps, a central controller, and interoperable software that verifies orders, routes, and timing, while logging each administration to the patient’s electronic health record.

Origin and development: The concept arose from patient-safety initiatives seeking to reduce administration errors associated with multi-route dosing and to standardize IV therapy workflows. IVonly is not an industry-wide standard; it appears in speculative designs, pilot programs, and vendor discussions as a way to reduce route errors and improve auditability.

Technical architecture: Core components include infusion hardware, a central controller, device interfaces, pharmacy verification, barcode scanning, and IV line tracking. Data interoperability emphasizes HL7 or FHIR integration with electronic health records, audit trails, and secure access control.

Applications: IVonly is proposed for hospitals and infusion centers that administer high-risk IV therapies, in addition to research settings and educational programs seeking standardized practice.

Benefits and limitations: Proponents cite reduced medication errors, improved traceability, and stronger compliance with dosing protocols. Critics note implementation costs, workflow disruption, potential overreliance on automation, integration challenges with existing systems, and questions about regulatory clearance and real-world efficacy.

Status: At present, IVonly remains a theoretical concept or vendor-specific offering rather than a universal standard. Widespread adoption would require clinical validation, regulatory approval, and careful attention to safety, reliability, and interoperability across devices and information systems.

Note: IVonly is described here as a hypothetical framework for illustrative purposes; there is no universally adopted standard by this name.