An evaluation of intravenous medication preparation times before and after implementation of first-party digital...

The intravenous (IV) medication compounding workflow has long been associated with preventable medication errors. This has led to the development of technologies designed to enhance the safety of IV compounding workflows. Digital image capture is a component of this technology about which there is relatively limited published literature. This study evaluates image capture implemented within an electronic health record's existing first-party IV workflow solution.

A retrospective case-control study was conducted to measure IV preparation times before and after digital imaging implementation. Preparations during 3 periods (preimplementation, ≤1 month post implementation, and >1 month post implementation) were matched for 5 variables. A less stringent analysis with matching for 2 variables, as well as an unmatched analysis, were performed post hoc. An employee survey assessed satisfaction with the digital imaging workflow, and revised orders were reviewed to identify new problems introduced by image capture.

A total of 134,969 IV dispenses were available for analysis. Median preparation time in the preimplementation and >1 month post implementation cohorts was unchanged in the 5-variable matched analysis (6.87 minutes vs 6.58 minutes, P = 0.14) and increased in the 2-variable matched analysis (6.98 minutes vs 7.35 minutes, P < 0.001) and unmatched analysis (6.55 minutes vs 8.02 minutes, P < 0.001). A large majority of survey respondents (92%) felt that image capture improved patient safety. Of the 105 postimplementation preparations identified as requiring revisions by the checking pharmacist, 24 (22.9%) required revisions directly related to camera functionality.

Implementation of digital image capture likely increased preparation times. Most IV room staff felt that image capture increased preparation times and were satisfied with how the technology improved patient safety. Image capture introduced camera-specific issues that led to preparations requiring revisions.