Enhancing Patient Safety: Introducing Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) Technology at a Cancer Center in...

The Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) technology is recognized as an important tool to reduce medication errors by verifying the "5 rights" at the bedside before medication administration. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the planning and implementation processes, as well as the challenges, in adopting such a system at a comprehensive cancer center in Jordan. In addition, we evaluate the impact of implementing BCMA on medication errors. The process of BCMA implementation was run through 5 stages, including exploration, planning, installation, pilot implementation, and full implementation, with continuous monitoring throughout all steps. The gradual and structured approach of implementing the BCMA technology facilitated effective training and integration, minimizing disruptions and optimizing the transition process. Implementation of BCMA was associated with a decrease in medication errors. Upon full implementation of the BCMA, the annual number of medication transcription errors and administration errors decreased by 98% and 63%, respectively.