Medication-management component of a point-of-care information system

Implementation of and experience with the medication-management component of a point-of-care information system are described. A point-of-care information system (CliniCare) implemented at a 326-bed primary and tertiary care center provides online medication profiles, medication administration scheduling, and other patient data. All medications are bar coded and are scanned at or near the patient's bedside by using hand-held scanners; this prompts a safety check, records medication administration, and generates the drug charge. Use of the system has resulted in a lower medication error rate, improved medication records, improved scheduling of medications, better communication between nursing and pharmacy staff, more efficient drug monitoring, and more accurate and timely billing. Problems include the need for a bar-coding operation for unit dose oral solids and injectable dosage forms, the steep learning curve for some nurses and physicians, and resistance to the change from a manual system. A point-of-care information system has improved medication management but has been difficult to implement.