If you work in a direct care setting, odds are that you or a colleague has either made a medication error or prevented one from happening. Registered nurses are the professionals who administer the most medications and, consequently, are the most likely to be cited for making medication errors.
It is important, however, to recognize that administration is the final step in a complex medication process. Errors can occur at various points throughout the process, and may involve the prescriber, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and unit clerks. No one will deny that “to err is human,” but the key to minimizing risks and improving patient safety is to understand the root causes of medication errors. It is then possible to develop some solutions.
Medication management has become highly dependent upon technology. Technological advances used by many facilities include bar coding, smart infusion systems, and computerized order-entry (COE).
Nurses use bar-code systems at the bedside to interface via real-time wireless technology with admission-discharge-transfer and the pharmacy. Software allows nurses to cross-check patients with identification badges and medication labels. When the nurse scans a bar code on the patient’s ID badge, the computer identifies the medication order for that patient (Anderson & Wittwer, 2004).
While technology provides many new safeguards, technology is only part of the solution in preventing medication errors. A comprehensive strategy extends beyond bar codes, smart pumps, and computerized order-entry systems. It must include people at every level of the process. In order for technology to be effective, facilities must choose comprehensive medication administration systems that meet the needs of the facility, staff, and patients.
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