Nurses' Needs, Expectations and Perceptions on Barcode Medication Administration Implementation: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Informatics
• Patient Safety
• Health Technology Implementation

Background:

• Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) systems are increasingly adopted to enhance medication safety.
• Understanding end-user (nursing staff) perspectives is critical for successful technology integration in healthcare.
• Previous research highlights varying levels of acceptance and challenges in BCMA implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nurses' needs, expectations, and perceptions of BCMA implementation in a Belgian hospital.
• To identify barriers and facilitators influencing nurses' acceptance of BCMA technology.
• To inform strategies for optimizing BCMA adoption and effective use in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative descriptive study design was employed.
• Focus groups were conducted with a purposive sample of nurses from various hospital wards.
• The Technology Acceptance Model guided the topic guide, with thematic analysis used for data interpretation.

Main Results:

• Nurses recognized BCMA's value for patient safety (identification, verification) but emphasized the need to balance safety with workflow efficiency and patient comfort.
• Key challenges included time pressure, extra scanning steps, technical issues, and concerns about patient disturbance.
• Trust in system feedback was positive, yet unclear procedures and workarounds raised concerns about vigilance; adequate training, reliable technology, and support were deemed essential.

Conclusions:

• BCMA acceptance is influenced by the interplay between perceived safety advantages and practical workflow challenges.
• Addressing workload, workflow integration, and system reliability is paramount for successful BCMA implementation.
• User-centered strategies, including nurse involvement and workflow testing, are recommended for sustainable and safe medication practices.