Keywords

Bar code, BCMA, Medication administration, Medication safety, Scanning compliance

 

Authors

  1. EARLY, CYNDE BSN, RN
  2. RIHA, CHRIS MS, CCE
  3. MARTIN, JENNIFER MSN, RN
  4. LOWDON, KAREN W. RPh, MSHA, FACHE
  5. HARVEY, ELLEN M. MN, RN, CCRN, CNS

Abstract

This is a review of lessons learned in the postimplementation evaluation of a bar-code medication administration technology implemented at a major tertiary-care hospital in 2001. In 2006, with a bar-code medication administration scan compliance rate of 82%, a near-miss sentinel event prompted review of this technology as part of an institutional recommitment to a "culture of safety." Multifaceted problems with bar-code medication administration created an environment of circumventing safeguards as demonstrated by an increase in manual overrides to ensure timely medication administration. A multiprofessional team composed of nursing, pharmacy, human resources, quality, and technical services formalized. Each step in the bar-code medication administration process was reviewed. Technology, process, and educational solutions were identified and implemented systematically. Overall compliance with bar-code medication administration rose from 82% to 97%, which resulted in a calculated cost avoidance of more than $2.8 million during this time frame of the project.