Vol. 7, Issue 1 (2018)

Background: Medication errors pose significant risks in healthcare settings, contributing to adverse drug events and compromising patient safety. The integration of technology, specifically Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) and electronic Medication Administration Records (e-MAR), has emerged as a potential solution to mitigate these errors.

Methods: This review synthesizes findings from multiple studies assessing the impact of BCMA and e-MAR on medication administration accuracy. Observational and pre-and post-intervention studies were analyzed, focusing on error rates before and after the implementation of these technologies across various healthcare facilities. Key metrics included the frequency and severity of medication errors, as well as healthcare professionals' perceptions of the systems.

Results: The review identified a substantial reduction in medication errors following the implementation of BCMA and e-MAR systems. Studies revealed decreases in dispensing mistakes by up to 96% and documentation errors by approximately 80%. However, variability in results was noted, with some studies finding minimal changes in error rates. Factors influencing the effectiveness of BCMA and e-MAR included the level of staff training, system usability, and workflow integration.

Conclusion: BCMA and e-MAR technologies significantly enhance medication safety by reducing errors in administration processes. However, successful implementation necessitates comprehensive training, effective workflow modifications, and continuous assessment of system performance. Future research should explore the long-term effects of these technologies on patient outcomes and the potential for further innovations in medication management.