Category 3: Technology and Innovations to Prevent Medication Errors

Resource 1:

Almalki, M., Alsehli, F., & Khayyat, M. (2023). Use of technology to reduce medication errors and improve patient safety. SAR Journal - Science and Research, 6(2), 128–132. https://doi.org/10.18421/sar62-10

This study discusses the use of technology to reduce medication errors and improve patient safety in hospital settings. It highlights the effectiveness of information technology (IT) in minimizing medical errors by enhancing communication and process automation. The study evaluates the impact of technological interventions such as electronic health records (EHRs) and decision support systems in preventing errors.

The resource helps nurses understand how integrating technology into medication administration processes can streamline tasks, reduce human error, and ultimately improve patient safety. By demonstrating the positive effects of technology, it encourages nurses to embrace digital tools for more accurate medication management.

Nurses can use this resource to advocate for the adoption of technology in their practice, especially when working in settings with a high volume of medication administration. This resource is useful in training sessions focused on improving safety through technology integration.

Resource 2:

Insani, W. N., Zakiyah, N., Puspitasari, I. M., Permana, M. Y., Parmikanti, K., Rusyaman, E., & Suwantika, A. A. (2025). Digital health technology interventions for improving medication safety: A systematic review of economic evaluations (preprint). Journal of Medical Internet Research, 27, e65546–e65546. https://doi.org/10.2196/65546

This systematic review explores the economic evaluations of digital health technology (DHT) interventions aimed at improving medication safety. It evaluates clinical decision support systems (CDSS), computerized provider order entry (CPOE), and automated medication-dispensing systems, finding that DHT significantly reduces adverse drug events (ADEs) and medication errors while being cost-effective.

By providing evidence of the cost-effectiveness and clinical benefits of DHT, this resource helps nurses understand how such systems can be leveraged to enhance medication safety. It highlights the role of technology in reducing errors and preventing medication-related harm, which is crucial for nurse-led patient care.

This resource can be used by nurse managers and administrators when considering the adoption of digital tools in their healthcare facilities. It provides a strong basis for making informed decisions about investing in DHT systems to improve medication safety, especially during technology implementation phases.

Resource 3:

Yu, W.-N., Cheng, Y.-D., Hou, Y.-C., & Hsieh, Y.-W. (2024). Implementation of medication-related technology and its impact on pharmacy workflow: A real-world evidence study from 2017 to 2023 (preprint). Journal of Medical Internet Research. https://doi.org/10.2196/59220

This study presents real-world evidence on how medication-related technologies such as automated dispensing cabinets (ADC), barcode medication administration (BCMA), and smart dispensing counters (SDC) can reduce dispensing errors in hospital pharmacies. The research reveals significant reductions in error rates following the implementation of these technologies.

This resource provides evidence on how specific technologies can improve medication safety and reduce errors during medication administration. Nurses can better understand the impact of such technologies on their practice and how they can use these tools to ensure safer medication dispensing and administration.

Nurses can use this resource when transitioning to or advocating for the use of medication-related technologies in their clinical settings. It is particularly beneficial during training sessions or when hospitals consider implementing advanced technologies to enhance patient safety.