technology before it's rolled out, and continue that support and train-
ing during the initial phases of implementation, to make sure your
team is fully up to speed. Staff will grow frustrated with technology
that's too slow or too complex to use and will opt for simpler low- or
no-tech methods of medication administration.
Dr. Nanji says facilities without the capital to invest in barcode-scan-
ning technology can still follow best practices for bringing medication
to the sterile field and ensuring it's administered safely. For example,
ensure the information noted on paper tape labels is full and complete.
Labels should include the drug's name, dose and expiration date. Pre-
printed, color-coded labels also help differentiate certain classes of
medications, says Dr. Nanji.
2. Barcode-assist-
ed documentation.
These systems let
providers scan med-
ications immediately
before administration
to automatically popu-
late the electronic
medical record with
the type and dose of
medications given.
The technology can
eliminate documenta-
tion errors.
During her study, Dr.
Nanji found that most
providers documented
8 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7
3."$4VSHJDBM5PMM'SFFXXXSNBDTVSHJDBMDPN
SURGICAL
ERRORS
