Addressing Medical Errors in Nursing Practice Through an Evaluation of the Barcode Medication Administration Program

Abstract

The barcode medication administration (BCMA) process is complex. When a step is omitted or altered, the risk of a medication error reaching the patient increases, which subsequently increases the chance of the patient experiencing an adverse drug event. A BCMA program evaluation was implemented to address questions related to policy and practice. Dr. Harrington\u27s BCMA checklist provided the framework for the assessment. The Medication Administration System—Nurses Assessment of Satisfaction (MAS-NAS) scale, developed by Hurley et al. (2006), and the BCMA perceived usefulness scale, adopted by Darawad et al. (2019), measured nurses\u27 perception of the program, including technology integration and ease of use. Medication observation was conducted using the LeapFrog Medication Administration Tool, commonly used as a regulatory compliance measure. The survey information, revised checklist, and observations were analyzed, and shortcomings and strengths were reported to nursing leadership