Fort Hamilton Hospital Implements New Medication Bar Coding Technology

Fort Hamilton Hospital has implemented new medication bar coding technology that will increase patient safety by intercepting possible medication errors before they happen. Bar Code Medication Administration is a process that assists in identifying potential medication errors before the medication reaches the patient. Historically hospitals have identified medication errors after they have occurred.

Over the past several years, Fort Hamilton Hospital has been building their electronic medical record in support of an overall strategic initiative to improve quality and safety within the organization. This project supports this quality and safety initiative by engaging electronic safeguards into the medication administration process.

Prior to administering medication to patients, nurses now scan the bar code on the patient's identification bracelet and on the prescribed medicine. The bar coding technology will alert the nurse if there is a possible medication error. The ability to validate an action by a bar code scan not only assists in the reduction of medication errors, but also reduces medication waste and helps construct the necessary documentation to meet requirements of the Joint Commission and third party payors.

Marilyn Schwemberger, chief nursing officer, says, "Bar coding technology serves as an additional safety net, augmenting the traditional five 'rights' of medication administration: right patient, right dose, right time, right route and right drug."

Fort Hamilton began implementing the new system in January and completed implementation to all involved departments at the end of May.

Fort Hamilton Hospital has been serving Butler County residents for almost 80 years and is a full-service community hospital. For more information about the services offered, please visit www.FortHamiltonHospital.com.