Cape Coral, Fla.-based Lee Memorial Health System's has had zero medication errors that caused serious harm to any patients within the last 36 months, according to a News Press report, written by Jonathan Girnys, Pharm.D., a pharmacy resident with the health system.
Here is how they achieved this, according to Dr. Girnys:
1. Technical innovations in medication safety were implemented on all hospital campuses, including computerized prescriber order entry and electronic medical records that allows physicians to directly order treatments for patients.
2. The health system implemented bedside barcode medication administration system, which greatly minimizes the risk of medication errors by giving each patient an individualized barcode that the system scans before medication is given.
3. LMHS also implemented "smart" infusion pumps for IV medications, which have software that alerts healthcare providers to abnormalities or incorrect use of the drug entered in the pump.
4. At the health system, pharmacists are now asked to respond to medical emergencies along with physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists. These pharmacists can ensure that patients receive medication as soon as it's ordered.
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