Tech Talk: How Technology Improves Medication Safety
The Institution for Safe Medication Practices incorporated medication-related technology in their recommendations for 2020-2021 medication safety best practices. First, technology should be used to assist in the dispensing process (barcode scanning verification of ingredients). Also, a programmable infusion pump is suggested for administration of infusions to reduce dose errors. In addition, associated software updates, compliance, and metrics monitoring is highly recommended. For example, automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) overrides will be monitored to verify appropriateness, transcription of orders, and documentation of administration. This presentation will review the medication-related technology programs implemented at Ochsner Health System and strategies behind these programs in human-factors engineering to prevent medication errors. The literature review will primarily focus on the evidence supporting the implementation of interoperability, which is scheduled to go live on February 1st of 2021 (3 days before this education). This review aims at helping pharmacy staff to understand the importance of their compliance with technology-related standard procedures in making medication use safer.
Target Audience
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy technicians
Learning Objectives
Pharmacist learning objectives
- Describe the role of human factors in medication errors
- Discuss how technology programs are utilized to reduce human-factors medication errors
- Evaluate the literature supporting the implementation of smart pump-electronic health records interoperability
- Identify medication related technology data and metrics
Pharmacy technician learning objectives
- Recognize the role of human factors in medication errors
- Identify technology programs being utilized to reduce human-factors medication errors
Additional Information
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Available Credit
- 1.00 ACPE Pharmacist
- 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy Technician
- 1.00 General CE - Attendance