Harton Regional Medical Center Nurses Have Key to Eliminating Medication Errors in The Palm of Their Hand
Nurses at Harton Regional Medical Center are among the first in the nation to begin using the most innovative technology available to safeguard their patients from medication errors. Our investment in cutting edge barcode scanning techology virtually eliminates medication errors and provides caregivers with fast, accurate information.
Harton Regional has invested in the SafeScan System, handheld interactive devices which link wirelessly to the hospital’s pharmacy, to ensure and document the right medications are given to the right patient, in the right dose, at the right time and in the right manner.
To use the system, nurses log on by scanning their badge and entering a PIN code. At the correct time, the nurse retrieves the required medications. Once in the patient’s room, the nurse scans the barcode on the patient’s wristband. The SafeScan maintains real-time information about all medications ordered. The nurse can quickly view those details.
Medications are then scanned and the handheld displays important information to assure safety and accurate medication administration. For example, when appropriate, the SafeScan prompts nurses to enter documentation such as pain scale or blood pressure readings using the keypad. For patients receiving injections, it will also prompt the nurse to enter the injection site while displaying the last site used. When new medications are called for immediately by a physician, the SafeScan checks for allergy and drug interactions through a link with specially designed software. After all medications are administered the nurse scans her badge to complete the transaction.
Throughout the entire process, the SafeScan stops the administration of medication if discrepancies occur. “We think this is huge,” said Beth Waller, RN, Critical Care Unit. “I would never again feel comfortable working in a hospital where this technology wasn’t available. The SafeScan was built by nurses for nurses and takes into account the way nurses work. I can use the device with one-hand, so my focus is always where it should be – on my patient.”
“In recent days, healthcare is reaching many critical milestones in our effort to ‘first do no harm’, “ said Dwayne Blaylock, Chief Executive Officer. “This solution to potential medication errors has created tremendous peace of mind for our administrative team, our nurses and our patients.”
“In just the last decade, the number of drugs available has grown more than 500 percent, and the patients we see are becoming increasingly more complex, medically,” said Pharmacy Director Jimmy Potts. “We’ve had to become more sophisticated in our efforts to reduce or eliminate medication errors. By implementing the SafeScan System in our hospital, we have underscored our ongoing commitment to the well-being of our community.”