The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center implemented Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) between 1999 and 2000 in 161 Medical Centers or Health Systems. BCMA has had a major impact on inpatient licensed nursing staff. Nurses have moved from manual to electronic medication documentation, increasing the complexity of medication administration. There has been acceptance of BCMA by the nurses who are able to see the positive benefits and patient safety aspects. A marked decrease in medication administration errors is a result of implementing BCMA.

Electronic Data Processing↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Designing and implementing a close call reporting system.

Medical errors and adverse events related to medication errors have received press coverage over the past 3 years. Nursing leaders have by necessity and duty become leaders in the field of patient safety. Defining and reporting errors become critical when analysis of errors relies on adequate and accurate reporting of errors. The next step towards a culture of safety is to avoid "blaming" employees, establishing trust and instituting a close call/near miss reporting system. By encouraging all staff to identify close calls you raise the level of awareness of employees for maintaining a safe patient care environment. Nursing leaders need to guide staff in identifying and reporting close calls through the development and implementation of a transparent reporting system involving recognition and rewarding staff.

Disclosure↗