Observation method of detecting medication errors

Effect of barcode technology with electronic medication administration record on medication accuracy rates

“…The direct observation method of Barker et al 18 was used to collect data. Direct observation is a scientifically validated technique for measuring medication errors and provides an accurate description of how many errors occur and insight into how errors may be prevented.…”

Effect of bar-code-assisted medication administration on medication administration errors and accuracy in multiple patient care areas

“…The indicator contains a component to detect medication administration errors, which was adapted from a nationally recognized observational medication-errordetection methodology previously published. 17,18,21 An observed medication administration error is defined as any discrepancy between the medication administered to the patient and the medication ordered on the patient's medical record. 21 The indicator also uses identical subclasses of medication administration errors (appendix).…”

“…This effect has been shown to be negligible if the observers are experienced, objective, unobtrusive, and nonjudgmental. 17 In this study, almost half of the observations were done by fourth-year pharmacy students who could be considered nonexperienced observers. However, the expected change in behavior of the nursing staff would result in improved medication administration accuracy and fewer errors, as nursing staff were aware of the purpose of the study.…”

“…Direct observation of medication administration is the most efficient and practical medication-error detection method and produces valid and reliable results. [17][18][19] The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a commercially available BCMA system on medication administration accuracy and medication administration errors on two patient care areas (general and intensive care) in a highly computerized setting using a validated observation method.…”

Effects of technological interventions on the safety of a medication-use system

“…The observation method was used to evaluate the accuracy of medication administration as well as compliance with the tasks and responsibilities of the process. [7][8][9] The medication administration process was defi ned from the point when a medication nurse reviews the MAR and selects or prepares a medication product for the patient to the actual administration of the drug to the patient, including the documentation of the details of the event. Documentation involved the recording of the identity of the patient, the medication (drug, dose, dosage form, time, date, and route of administration), and the responsible practitioner for each administration event.…”