The Southwestern Vermont Medical Center's Cancer Center in Bennington, has launched a new drug labeling initiative to reduce the risk of preventable medication errors.
Under the initiative, the new drug labels are large-print, color labels that add an extra layer of safety by highlighting the patient name, drug and infusion rate to be programmed into the pump. The equipment necessary to produce the medical labels is highly specialized and needs to interface with the hospital pharmacy system.
"Fewer than five percent of U.S. hospitals are using this labeling technology, which highlights very discrete and important elements of a medication label," said Charles Still, the senior systems analyst who oversaw the effort at SVMC Cancer Center. "While clear labeling is important for all medications, it's of particular importance in cancer treatment, where every administered medication is formulated for the specific needs of each patient."
The new label is also printed on different paper on which the ink will not smudge or fade if it comes into contact with rubbing alcohol or water.
According to Mary Weinfurt, RN, who supervises the nurses who administer chemotherapy at the Cancer Center, the new labels are far easier to use.
More articles on drug labeling:
Physician groups pen letter to FDA urging transparency in biosimilar labeling
CDC: Kids more likely to die from tickborne illnesses than adults due to medication label
Do medication labels need a redesign? Study says yes