Gauthier-Wetzel, H. E. (2022). Barcode Medication Administration Software Technology Use in Emergency Department and Medication Error Rates. Computer Informatics, Nursing. 40(6), 382-388. https://doi.org/10.1097/CIN.0000000000000846
This study conducts a review of medication errors before and after the implementation of barcode scanning. It highlights the importance of safe medication administration. The study is conducted at a Veteran Affairs Medical Center. It focuses on providing high quality care during and after medication administration.
Hogerwaard, M., Stolk, M., Dijk, L. V., Faasse, M., Kalden, N., Hoeks, S. E., Bal, R., & Horst, M. T. (2023). Implementation of barcode medication administration (BMCA) technology on infusion pumps in the operating rooms. BMJ open quality, 12(2), e002023. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2022-002023
This article not only elaborated on the importance of barcode scanning medications but studied barcode scanned medications into infusion pumps. The study conducted was not only at the start of an infusion but every time a syringe was exchanged. While the article only focused on the operating room it was still found and proven with percentages that errors were fewer with the use of bar code technology.
Jessurun, J. G., Hunfeld, N. G. M., Rosmalen, J. V., Van Dijk, M., & Van Den Bemt, P. (2021) Effect of Automated Unit Dose Dispensing with Barcode Scanning on Medication Administration Errors: An Uncontrolled Before-and-After Study. International Journal for Quality in Health Care. 33(4), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzab142
This article conducts six studies over two years in a Dutch hospital using automated dispensing systems. The implementation of central automated unit dose dispensing with barcode-assisted medication administration was associated with a lower probability of errors. Nursing satisfaction with the medication administration process also went up. This study provides amazing data with number values instead of percentages making it very eye opening.
Thompson, K. M., Swanson, K. M., Cox, D. L., Kirchner, R. B., Russel, J. J., Wermers, R. A., Storile, C. B., Johnson, M. G., & Naessens, J. M. (2018) Implementation of Bar-Code Medication Administration to Reduce Patient Harm. Mayo Clinic. 2(4), 342-351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayopiqo.2018.09.001
This article really focuses on the importance of patient safety and how it increased with the use of bar code scanning all medications. With more facilities adopting bar code scanning medications, less medication errors are being seen. This article provides many graphs for more visual learners. Barcode scanning has proved to harm fewer patients, which is never the intention of a nurse.