Spotlight on The Physicians Hospital in Anadarko’s Barcode Scanning of Medications Project
Posted on: 1/17/20
Each of the Excellence in Quality Award submissions will be featured in this column over the coming weeks to highlight and share successful quality initiatives. For each submission, we will describe how the problem was identified, the improvement goal(s), interventions and outcomes. Please feel free to utilize this information, duplicate interventions, and share with your staff.
The Physicians Hospital in Anadarko received an Honorable Mention for submission of their Barcode Scanning of Medications Project, submitted by
Rachel Stephens, chief nursing officer.
Identifying the Problem: The bedside barcode scanning rate in July 2018 was 53.5%.
The Goal: Increase bedside barcode scanning rate for medications administration to 90% in next 12 months (August 2018-2019).
Interventions:
- A multidisciplinary Bedside Barcode Scanning Committee was created and met weekly to review trends, failure and improvement opportunities.
- Following review of the Bedside Barcode Scanning Process, the following interventions were implemented:
- Drug room began unit-dosing all multi-dose medications including respiratory medications;
- All medications to scan were reviewed and IV fluids and IV antibiotics were added;
- A task force was created to include front-line workers;
- Daily log was implemented to obtain front-line staff input;
- Weekly review of compliance reports conducted and results posted at nursing station.
The Outcome: Medication Barcode Scanning Compliance increased, reaching 93% by August 2019.
Comments: A multidisciplinary team was created and included senior leadership (CEO, CNO), the quality manager, unit manager, drug room supervisor and pharmacist. The informatics specialist was also involved to ensure proper coding. The unit staff were also empowered to provide input. As a result of this project, medication errors decreased as barcode scanning increased.