Bar Code Administration & Patient Safety Group 2

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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): Available from: Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 22,  Heinen, M. G., Coyle, G. A., & Hamilton, A. V. (2003). Barcoding makes its mark on daily practice. Nursing Management, 34(10), Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

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