Introduction
Medication errors remain a critical challenge in healthcare, jeopardizing patient safety and care quality. These errors can occur at any stage, from prescribing a medication to its administration (Alrabadi et al., 2021). Consequences range from adverse drug reactions to extended hospital stays and, in severe cases, even death. Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) systems offer a promising solution. By leveraging technology, BCMA ensures the correct medication is delivered to the right patient in the proper dose.
BCMA uses barcodes on medication and patient wristbands to verify and document drug administration, significantly reducing errors. This assignment evaluates BCMA’s role in reducing medication errors among adult hospital patients. The analysis is based on existing research and data, emphasizing the system’s clinical utility and areas where further investigation is required. This exploration aims to shed light on how BCMA enhances medication safety as part of the NUR 3500 Module 6 Assignment Final EBP Project.
Literature Review
Quantitative Studies
Aseeri et al. (2020)
This study examined medication error management in a large hospital to understand the causes of these errors and identify patterns. Findings highlighted the prevalence of drug errors and underscored the importance of systematic error prevention measures. The study concluded that rigorous error control processes are essential for improving patient safety and care quality.
Ho & Burger (2020)
This research assessed the effectiveness of BCMA systems in reducing medication errors and improving pain assessments in a community hospital. The study found that BCMA implementation significantly decreased errors, leading to safer medication administration. Additionally, the technology enhanced nurses’ ability to evaluate and address patient pain, demonstrating its broader impact on patient care.
Linden-Lahti et al. (2021)
Linden-Lahti and colleagues explored the root causes of medication errors in hospitals, identifying key areas for improvement. Their findings emphasized the potential of BCMA to prevent mistakes by ensuring accurate drug administration. The study also highlighted the importance of staff training and adherence to hospital policies to maximize BCMA’s effectiveness.
Mulac (2021)
Mulac’s study investigated the impact of noncompliance with BCMA guidelines on system effectiveness. The research revealed frequent violations of BCMA protocols and proposed strategies to improve adherence. The study stressed the importance of enforcing compliance to fully realize the benefits of BCMA in reducing medication errors.
Qualitative Studies
Bengtsson et al. (2021)
This study examined nurses’ experiences with medication errors in nursing homes. Findings revealed that poor communication, insufficient training, and systemic issues were major contributors to mistakes. The study emphasized the need for improved staff training and clearer communication processes to enhance medication safety in long-term care facilities.
Reale et al. (2023)
Reale and colleagues explored how Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems impact medication safety during nurses’ transitions between tasks. The study found that usability issues, such as complex interfaces and inadequate training, posed risks to patient safety. Recommendations included simplifying EHR systems and providing comprehensive training to nurses to ensure safe medication practices.
Key Themes
Focus on Medication Errors
All studies highlighted the importance of reducing medication errors to improve patient safety. These errors, which can lead to severe consequences like prolonged hospital stays and fatalities, are a shared concern across healthcare settings.
Role of Technology
BCMA and EHR systems were consistently highlighted as effective tools for preventing medication errors. BCMA’s barcode scanning technology ensures accurate drug administration, while EHR systems streamline access to patient data, reducing the likelihood of mistakes. Both technologies play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
Common Recommendations
Key recommendations across studies included enhanced staff training, improved communication among healthcare teams, and strict adherence to established protocols. These measures are essential for preventing medication errors and ensuring the safe delivery of care.
Differences
Methodology
Quantitative studies relied on statistical analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions like BCMA. These studies provided objective data on error reduction and patient safety improvements.
Qualitative research, on the other hand, focused on healthcare professionals’ experiences with BCMA and EHR systems. By capturing users’ perspectives, these studies offered insights into these technologies’ practical challenges and benefits.
Settings
The studies covered diverse healthcare environments, including large hospitals, community facilities, and nursing homes. This range highlighted how different settings present unique challenges and opportunities for implementing BCMA and EHR systems effectively.
Practical Significance to Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
The findings from the NUR 3500 Module 6 Assignment Final EBP Project emphasize the importance of BCMA in reducing medication errors and improving patient care. Studies by Ho & Burger (2020) and Mulac (2021) demonstrated BCMA’s ability to enhance medication safety and optimize nursing workflows. Reale et al. (2023) also highlighted the need for user-friendly EHR systems and proper training to maximize technology’s benefits.
Answer to the PICO Question
Does implementing BCMA reduce medication errors compared to manual administration within six months? The evidence supports BCMA as a safer and more effective approach. Studies by Ho & Burger (2020) and Mulac (2021) showed significant error reductions, confirming BCMA’s role in improving patient safety and care quality.
Need for Additional Research
While BCMA’s benefits are evident, further research is needed to fully understand its long-term impact on patient safety and nursing practices. Future studies should evaluate BCMA’s cost-effectiveness, integration with EHR systems, and adaptability across various healthcare settings. Such research will provide valuable insights for optimizing BCMA implementation in evidence-based practice.
Conclusion
The NUR 3500 Module 6 Assignment Final EBP Project highlights the transformative potential of BCMA in healthcare. By reducing medication errors, improving patient safety, and streamlining nursing workflows, BCMA addresses critical challenges in medication management. However, continued research is essential to explore its long-term benefits and integration with other technologies. As healthcare providers strive for safer and more efficient care, BCMA stands out as a cornerstone of evidence-based practice.
References
Alrabadi, N., Shawagfeh, S., Haddad, R., Mukattash, T., Abuhammad, S., Al-rabadi, D., Abu Farha, R., AlRabadi, S., & Al-Faouri, I. (2021). Medication errors: A focus on nursing practice. Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, 12(1), 78–86.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jphsr/rmaa025
Aseeri, M., Banasser, G., Baduhduh, O., Baksh, S., & Ghalibi, N. (2020). Evaluation of medication error incident reports at a tertiary care hospital. Pharmacy, 8(2), 69.
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy8020069
Bengtsson, M., Ekedahl, A.-B. I., & Sjöström, K. (2021). Errors linked to medication management in nursing homes: An interview study. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 69.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00587-2
Coffetti, E., Paans, W., Roodbol, P. F., & Zuidersma, J. (2022). Individual and team factors influencing the adoption of information and communication technology by nurses. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 41(4).
https://doi.org/10.1097/cin.0000000000000931
Fassmer, A. M., & Hoffmann, F. (2019). Acute health care services use among nursing home residents in Germany: A comparative analysis of out-of-hours medical care, emergency department visits and acute hospital admissions. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-019-01306-3
Ho, J., & Burger, D. (2020). Improving medication safety practice at a community hospital: A focus on bar code medication administration scanning and pain reassessment. BMJ Open Quality, 9(3), e000987.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2020-000987
Jacob, C., Sanchez-Vazquez, A., & Ivory, C. (2020). Factors impacting clinicians’ adoption of a clinical photo documentation app and its implications for clinical workflows and quality of care – A qualitative case study (Preprint). JMIR MHealth and UHealth, 8(9).
https://doi.org/10.2196/20203
Kiriiri, G. K., Njogu, P. M., & Mwangi, A. N. (2020). Exploring different approaches to improve the success of drug discovery and development projects: A review. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 6(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-020-00047-9
Linden-Lahti, C., Takala, A., Holmström, A.-R., & Airaksinen, M. (2021). What severe medication errors reported to health care supervisory authority tell about medication safety? Journal of Patient Safety, Publish Ahead of Print(17).
https://doi.org/10.1097/pts.0000000000000914
Mulac, A. (2021). Barcode medication administration technology use in hospital practice: A mixed-methods observational study of policy deviations. BMJ Quality & Safety, 30(12), 1021–1030.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2021-013223
Reale, C., Ariosto, D., Weinger, M. B., & Anders, S. (2023). Medication safety amid technological change: Usability evaluation to inform inpatient nurses’ electronic health record system transition. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 38, 982–990.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-023-08278-1
