Using change management to implement barcode medicines administration technology.

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Medication errors are a significant cause of patient harm.
• Accurate patient identification is critical during medication administration.
• Implementing new technology requires effective change management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the implementation of a barcode medicines administration system.
• To evaluate the use of two change management models in this implementation.
• To highlight the importance of staff engagement and leadership in technology adoption.

Main Methods:

• The study discusses the implementation process of a barcode medicines administration system.
• Two distinct change management models were employed.
• Staff engagement and adoption rates of new workflows were monitored.

Main Results:

• The adoption of new workflow patterns benefited from using various change management models.
• Successful implementation required staff engagement across all organizational levels.
• Nurse leaders utilized diverse resources for effective project execution.

Conclusions:

• Barcode medicines administration systems enhance patient safety by reducing medication errors.
• Effective change management strategies are vital for successful technology implementation in healthcare.
• Engaged leadership and comprehensive resource utilization are key to adopting new healthcare workflows.