Related Experiment Videos
Bar-code technology for documenting administration of large-volume intravenous solutions.
G A Barry1, G E Bass, J K Eddlemon
1Pharmacy Department, Regional Medical Center at Memphis, TN.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Implementing bar-code technology significantly improved accountability for large-volume plain intravenous (I.V.) solutions by 19%. This technology reduced documentation errors, enhancing patient billing accuracy in hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Hospital Pharmacy Management
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Inaccurate documentation of large-volume plain intravenous (I.V.) solutions is a common issue in hospitals.
- Potential exists to use bar-code technology to minimize documentation discrepancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the failure in documenting dispensing, administration, charging, and crediting of large-volume plain I.V. solutions.
- To assess the effectiveness of bar-code technology in reducing documentation errors.
Main Methods:
- Portable bar-code scanners and preprinted bar-code labels were utilized on two nursing units.
- Hospital personnel received training on using the scanning equipment.
- Patient statements and medication administration records were compared to identify errors.
Main Results:
- Documentation errors stemmed from failure to document administration (38%), failure to credit returns (37%), and incorrect administration (25%).
- Bar-code technology improved accountability for large-volume plain I.V. solution charges by 19%.
Conclusions:
- Bar-code technology offers a viable solution to improve documentation accuracy and financial accountability for I.V. solutions.
- Successful implementation requires convenient labeling and scanning methods, along with error-compensating programming.