NU 515 Please see attached article on Medication scanning and patient safety
Study Review
The article by Smidt et al. (2017) shows that barcode scanning can reduce medication errors and improve patient safety when implemented well and used effectively. The article’s aim was to determine the degree to which barcode scanning was deployed during drug dispensing and identify the amount and type of errors recognized by the system. The article also investigated perceptions of nurses on the impacts of barcode scanning on patient safety. Using data from structure interviews and drug dispensing by nurses and nurse assistants, the study shows that barcode scanning has positive relationship with patient safety measures. The researchers analyzed the study’s results using descriptive statistics. Through the process, the researchers identified eight errors by barcode system with two of the errors being fatal or serious. Close t
o 95% of nurses and nurse assistants had positive perceptions about the use of barcode scanning to enhance patient safety with 89% believing that the approach can help prevent medication errors. The implication is that enhanced scanning frequency is essential to improving patient safety through barcode scanning. Therefore, leaders and managers in health facilities should support the implementation of the intervention as illustrated by different research studies.
In their study, Barakat and Franklin (2020) demonstrate that barcode medication administration can reduce
medication errors associated with incorrect patient identity, drugs and even doses. Barcode also improves nursing activity and workflow. The study shows that barcode reduces the time used to administer drugs to patients. The implication is that improvement in nursing processes, especially on drug administration, leads to enhancement of patient safety. Effective patient identification reduces the possibility of making mistake by giving wrong drugs or doses to patients; a strategy improves patient safety. In their study, Naidu and Yeo (2019) observe that barcode medication administration reduces medication errors and enhances patient safety. These studies support the findings by Smidt et al. (2017) as they demonstrate the efficacy of using barcode scanning to enhance patient safety.
References
Barakat, S. & Franklin, B. D. (2020). An Evaluation of the Impact of Barcode Patient and
Medication Scanning on Nursing Workflow at a UK Teaching Hospital. Pharmacy, 8(148; doi:10.3390/pharmacy8030148
Naidu, M. & Yeo, L.Y. A. (2019). Impact of Bar-Code Medication Administration and
Electronic Medication Administration Record System in Clinical Practice for an Effective Medication Administration Process. Health, 11(5): 511-526. doi: 10.4236/health.2019.115044.
Smidt, C. F., Clemmensen, M., Christrup, L. L., Fischer, H. & Kart, T. (2017). Barcode scanning
in the drug dispensing process improves patient safety. PS-102 Barcode scanning in the drug dispensing process improves patient safety. European Journal of Hospital and Pharmacy, 24(Supp 1): A1-A288. DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2017-000640.608