Implementation of barcode medication administration (BMCA) technology on infusion pumps in the operating rooms

Medication administration errors (MAEs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. An updated barcode medication administration (BCMA) technology on infusion pumps is implemented in the operating rooms to automate double check at a syringe exchange.

The aim of this mixed-methods before-and-after study is to understand the medication administrating process and assess the compliance with double check before and after implementation.

Reported MAEs from 2019 to October 2021 were analysed and categorised to the three moments of medication administration: (1) bolus induction, (2) infusion pump start-up and (3) changing an empty syringe. Interviews were conducted to understand the medication administration process with functional resonance analysis method (FRAM). Double check was observed in the operating rooms before and after implementation. MAEs up to December 2022 were used for a run chart.

Analysis of MAEs showed that 70.9% occurred when changing an empty syringe. 90.0% of MAEs were deemed to be preventable with the use of the new BCMA technology. The FRAM model showed the extent of variation to double check by coworker or BCMA.Observations showed that the double check for pump start-up changed from 70.2% to 78.7% postimplementation (p=0.41). The BCMA double check contribution for pump start-up increased from 15.3% to 45.8% (p=0.0013). The double check for changing an empty syringe increased from 14.3% to 85.0% (p<0.0001) postimplementation. BCMA technology was new for changing an empty syringe and was used in 63.5% of administrations. MAEs for moments 2 and 3 were significantly reduced (p=0.0075) after implementation in the operating rooms and ICU.

An updated BCMA technology contributes to a higher double check compliance and MAE reduction, especially when changing an empty syringe. BCMA technology has the potential to decrease MAEs if adherence is high enough.