Bar Code Administration & Patient SafetyGroup 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9qBK3Infsw

History of Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA)

In 1994, inspired by a nurse from Colmeg-Oneil Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC)

Their system became the model for the BCMA In 2004, the FDA finalized a rule requiring bar codes

on most human drugs and biologics by mid-2006 (Kaufman, 2008)

Safety Implications

According to leading nurse managers, bar coding patient identification bands and medication doses, facilities can reduce medication errors by 65% to 86% (Heinen et al, (2003))

93% - 96% reduction in target dispensing errors (Heinen et al, (2003))

86% - 97% reduction in target potential of ADE (adverse drug errors) (Heinen et al, (2003))

Safety Implications (cont’d)

In a study from the NEJM, 3,082 ordered transcriptions were reviewed and 776 errors noted in medication administration on units not using barcode

Cost Savings According to the US DHHS, preventing adverse

events related to medication errors can yield a savings of $3.9 billion annually

Benefits

More accurate medication stocking Ensures that labeled contents contain

appropriate ingredients Helps prevents “look alike” “sound alike”

medication substitution errors that are difficult to visually detect

Overall, ensures that “right” medication is selected for patients

Refereences

Ronald Schneider, B.S.Pharm., M.H.A.; Jonathan Bagby, R.N., M.B.A., M.S.N.; Russ Carlson, R.N., B.S.N., M.H.A.

ASHP Statement on Bar-Code Verification During Inventory, Preparation, and Dispensing of Medications. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy [serial online]. March 2011;68(5):442-445. Available from: Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 22, 2011.

Heinen, M. G., Coyle, G. A., & Hamilton, A. V. (2003). Barcoding makes its mark on daily practice. Nursing Management, 34(10), 18-20. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGXbWTAu4KE