System-Based and Technology-Driven Interventions

Ciapponi, A., Fernandez Nievas, S. E., Seijo, M., Rodríguez, M., Vietto, V., García-Perdomo, H. A., Virgilio, S., Fajreldines, A. V., Tost, J., Rose, C. J., & Garcia-Elorrio, E. (2021). Reducing medication errors for adults in hospital settings. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd009985.pub2

         This systematic review synthesizes evidence on strategies for reducing medication errors in hospital settings. The article evaluates various interventions, including computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems, barcode medication administration, clinical pharmacist-led medication reviews, and structured medication reconciliation processes. It also assesses the impact of staff training programs and multi-disciplinary teamwork on error prevention. The review provides a comprehensive summary of effective interventions, identifying which strategies yield the most significant reductions in medication-related errors. This resource benefits nurses by highlighting evidence-based practices that contribute to safer medication administration. By understanding the effectiveness of different interventions, nurses can better implement safety improvement initiatives in their workplace. The review also reinforces the importance of collaboration among healthcare providers, emphasizing how nurses can play a key role in preventing medication errors through vigilance, protocol adherence, and patient education. Nurses can use this resource when developing or refining medication safety protocols in hospital settings, especially when integrating technology-driven solutions such as barcode scanning or electronic prescribing. It is particularly relevant for nurse educators, administrators, and policymakers aiming to implement systemic changes to reduce medication errors. Additionally, it serves as a valuable reference for staff training sessions focused on best practices in medication administration and patient safety.

Institute for Safe Medication Practices. (2024, February 21). Targeted medication safety best practices for hospitals. ECRI. https://home.ecri.org/blogs/ismp-resources/targeted-medication-safety-best-practices-for-hospitals

         This guidance document outlines consensus-based best practices to mitigate persistent medication safety challenges in hospital settings. Developed using data from the ISMP National Medication Errors Reporting Program (ISMP MERP), the recommendations undergo expert review and approval by the ISMP Board of Trustees. Updated biennially, the document provides strategies for enhancing medication safety, including managing the removal of medications from automated dispensing cabinets using the “override” feature, extending barcode verification to care areas beyond inpatient units, and implementing error-prevention strategies to reduce harm from high-alert medications. Additionally, the guidelines emphasize safeguarding against inadvertent administration of neuromuscular blocking agents and improving medication safety during care transitions by strengthening communication and verification processes. By implementing these targeted best practices, nurses can enhance patient safety and reduce the occurrence of harmful medication errors. The resource provides straightforward, actionable strategies that nurses can integrate into their daily workflows, such as adopting standardized medication administration and verification protocols, utilizing technology to minimize errors, and fostering a safety culture within their teams. Understanding these practices enables nurses to proactively identify potential risks and implement adequate safeguards. Nurses can utilize this resource as a reference when developing or updating hospital medication safety protocols. It is beneficial during training sessions, quality improvement initiatives, and safety audits. The best practices outlined serve as a foundation for creating checklists, educational materials, and policy documents to enhance medication safety. Regular consultation with this resource ensures that nursing practices remain aligned with the latest evidence-based safety recommendations.

Barakat, S., & Franklin, B. (2020). An evaluation of the impact of barcode patient and medication scanning on nursing workflow at a uk teaching hospital. Pharmacy, 8(3), 148. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy8030148

         This study investigates the effects of implementing Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) systems on nursing workflow within a UK teaching hospital. The research was conducted on two comparable surgical wards—one utilizing BCMA and the other not—and involved direct observation of nurses during medication rounds. Key metrics assessed included the duration of drug rounds, timeliness of medication administration, patient identification accuracy, medication verification processes, and overall workflow patterns. Findings indicate that while BCMA implementation did not significantly alter the total duration of drug rounds, it did streamline workflows by reducing time spent in medication rooms. Notably, patient identification compliance improved from 74% to 100%, and 95% of scannable medication doses were verified using the BCMA system. For nurses, this resource offers empirical evidence of the benefits of integrating BCMA technology into clinical practice. The demonstrated improvements in patient identification and medication verification underscore the potential of BCMA systems to enhance patient safety and reduce administration errors. Understanding these impacts can aid nurses in adapting to BCMA systems, optimizing their workflow, and embracing technology-driven solutions to improve care quality. Nurses can utilize this study when evaluating the adoption of BCMA systems in their healthcare settings. It serves as a valuable reference during the planning and implementation phases of BCMA integration, providing insights into expected workflow changes and safety benefits. Additionally, the findings can inform training programs, helping nursing staff anticipate and adapt to the procedural adjustments associated with BCMA use. This resource is particularly pertinent to enhancing medication administration accuracy and patient safety through technological advancements.