Bar Code Medication Administration

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Bar Code Medication Administration

Bar code administration (BCMA) is a system which utilizes bar code technology to prevent medication errors in healthcare settings (Gooder, 2011). The purpose of BCMA is to improve patient safety and decrease adverse events related to medication administration. According to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine written by Poon, Keohane, Yoon, Ditmore, Bane, Levtzion-Korach &…Ghandi (2010), BCMA incorporated with eMAR technology, CPOE (computerized physician order entry) and mobile workstations, compliment the workflow of nursing staff to ensure that the correct medication is administered at the correct dose, correct route, correct time and to the correct patient. Although BCMA technology may not eliminate adverse events it can be implemented as a preventative measure, greatly decreasing the incidence of medication errors and potential harm inflicted onto patients.

Example of Bar Code Medication Administration

Delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centered care is greatly influenced by the technology available within your healthcare system. According to Bowers, Goda, Bene,
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Having insight into the shortcomings of the BCMA system within the confines of my facility though will allow me to make changes to my practice, and possibly the training programs in which workarounds are taught. Being more efficient and utilizing the technology on hand will allow for improvement throughout the medication administration process, empowering myself and the other nurses on my unit to stay within compliance, decreasing potential harm, and increasing patient safety though out the course of