Electronic Inventory Systems and Barcode Technology: Impact on Pharmacy Technical Accuracy and Error Liability

Abstract

Purpose: To measure the effects associated with sequential implementation of electronic medication storage and inventory systems and product verification devices on pharmacy technical accuracy and rates of potential medication dispensing errors in an academic medical center. Methods: During four 28-day periods of observation, pharmacists recorded all technical errors identified at the final visual check of pharmaceuticals prior to dispensing. Technical filling errors involving deviations from order-specific selection of product, dosage form, strength, or quantity were documented when dispensing medications using (a) a conventional unit dose (UD) drug distribution system, (b) an electronic storage and inventory system utilizing automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) within the pharmacy, (c) ADCs combined with barcode (BC) verification, and (d) ADCs and BC verification utilized with changes in product labeling and individualized personnel training in systems application. Results: Using a conventional UD system, the overall incidence of technical error was 0.157% (24/15,271). Following implementation of ADCs, the comparative overall incidence of technical error was 0.135% (10/7,379; P = .841). Following implementation of BC scanning, the comparative overall incidence of technical error was 0.137% (27/19,708; P = .729). Subsequent changes in product labeling and intensified staff training in the use of BC systems was associated with a decrease in the rate of technical error to 0.050% (13/26,200; P = .002). Conclusions: Pharmacy ADCs and BC systems provide complementary effects that improve technical accuracy and reduce the incidence of potential medication dispensing errors if this technology is used with comprehensive personnel training.

Guiding Digital Transformation and Collaborative Knowledge Creation in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Through Action Research

“…Simoens (2009) identifies a cost-effectiveness model for traceability implementation based on product defects. Oldland et al (2015) highlight the need to intertwine technical and organizational integration in traceability. While these studies confirm the ongoing interest in traceability, they are either more theoretical in nature or focus on only one specific actor or case in the SC.…”

“…In the literature on SC traceability, few studies can be identified that focus on the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders at a sector level (Greenberg, 2014; Oldland et al, 2015; Rosca et al, 2022; Rotunno et al, 2014; Simoens, 2009). Most of the studies adopt a qualitative approach to single firms or dyadic relationships, while a broader network perspective is rarely adopted.…”

Implementation of an Automated Dispensing Cabinet System and Its Impact on Drug Administration: Longitudinal Study (Preprint)

“…On the ADC screen, the doctor's orders would read "2 bottles per day" at the top and "take out 1 bottle" below, which may also cause the nurse to administer the wrong dosage if the top instructions go unnoticed. Oldland et al [19] found that the medication error rate when using the UDD alone was 0.157%. After ADC implementation, the comparative overall incidence of error was 0.135%.…”

A Value Model for Asset Tracking Technology to Support Naval Sea-Based Resupply

“…Barcoded scanning and product verification offers a logical and proven means to decrease errors in inventory (Oldland, Golightly, May, Barber, & Stolpman, 2015). A barcoding system requires scanning of the barcode on the item, as well as scanning the barcode associated with the storage location (also called a "license plate").…”