Medication, Errors and Technology

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses the E-MAR that consists of a combination bedside medication administration tool and electronic medication administration record (E-MAR) which is designed to provide safety and flexibility in medication administration. The writer explains that the primary function of bar-coded medication administration is to reduce medication errors at the point of care. The E-MAR makes use of bar-code scanning technology which scans the patient's ID, identifies the caregiver and the medication. The writer then discusses advantages and disadvantages to the use of the E-MAR. The writer notes that the most significant benefit of the E-MAR is that it greatly reduces the potential for drug errors. The writer concludes that bar-coded medication administration should be adopted because of its contribution to optimal patient safety.

Outline:
Benefits of the E-MAR
Disadvantages
Recommendations

From the Paper:

"The system contains its own built-in decision making tools related to certain medications. It is also designed to conform to regulatory compliance. Use of the E-MAR assists in preventing drug interactions as well as missed doses. These tasks are achieved through reminders received at the nurses' station that display a window of opportunity for effective dose administration along with identifying critical drugs that require priority administration. The system is designed to capture pre- and post-dosage clinical charting. The E-MAR identifies the patient to the system, and determines the medications that have been ordered. The system then checks for allergies and drug interactions, and reviews the dosing schedule. The E-MAR also can manage its own inventories for medication supplies on the floor.
"The E-MAR system assists in documentation since it provides reminders related to charting, assessment, or documentation of an outcome. In addition, the E-MAR allows for complete point of care documentation, automated ordering of medications, along with critical pre- and post-dosing clinical charting support."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Heinen, M.& Coyle, G. (2003). Barcoding makes its mark on daily practice. Nursing Management, 34 IT Solutions Supplement, 18-20.
• LifeCare (2007). Medication management: E-mar. LifeCare Technologies, Inc. http://www.lifecaretech.com/emar.html
• Wickham, V. & Miedema, F. (2006). Bar-coded patient ID. Nursing Management, 37(12), 22 & 24-26.

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