BCMA Overview Really Powerful at Measuring Stuff
What is BCMA? Bar Code Medication Administration BCMA is a separate GUI application (not part of EHR) used to administer medications
BCMA
How does BCMA work? BCMA allows users to electronically document medications at the bedside or other points-of-care. The nurse will have a medication cart equipped with a wireless laptop and a barcode scanner.
BCMA BCMA is used to record administration of medications But it also provides functions such as: Meds Due List Variance Log (e.g. med errors) Med Admin History PRN Effectiveness tracking Missed Medications Request missing Med from Pharmacy
BCMA and Administration Schedules BCMA doesn’t handle ambiguity Schedule ranges need to be removed (i.e. Q4-6H PRN needs to become Q4H PRN) Standard schedules must have defined admin times, e.g.: Q4H
BCMA All “versions” of a medication must be scanned into Inpatient Pharmacy as a synonym for it to be recognized by BCMA BCMA can use IENs or other standard identifiers such as NDC numbers.
IVs vs. IV Piggybacks A frequent area of confusion is configuration of IV Piggybacks so that they will function correctly in BCMA
IVs vs. IV Piggybacks IV Piggybacks are Unit Dose with a Route of IV and a Schedule (e.g. Q6H) IVs are Large Volume and Continuous with an Infusion Rate (e.g. 75ml/hr)
When is a med due? With standard BCMA configuration a medication is due the next scheduled administration time. It is important that everyone be trained to understand this This will sometimes necessitate using the ‘First Dose Now’ button to start the medication as desired by the Provider
BCMA and Order Verification Using BCMA properly, nurses should never Verify (in EHR) a Pending medication. Verification should only happen after Pharmacy has completed the order The med nurse should never administer a med that has not been Completed by Pharmacy and Verified by Nursing.
Admin Process The basic process of passing medication remains the same. (BCMA is not a substitute for Nursing Judgment. This includes: –Wrist band (now with Bar Code) –Identity verification (i.e. ask pt’s name) Right Drug Right Dose Right Route Right Time
Questions and Discussion Really Powerful at Measuring Stuff