War Memorial Hospital announces Bedside Medical Verification

Patient identity has always been a priority at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie. Doctors and nurses have always made sure to verify the patient before administering treatments and medications, but now that process is going to be even easier.

War Memorial announced last week a new service to improve the ability to confirm patient identity and medication information. The hospital has implemented Bedside Medication Verification, which allows caregivers to utilize bar code canning technology.

The new process greatly reduces the possibility of medication errors. Accuracy and efficiency are both improved by use of bar code scanning--completing medication administration records and providing physicians access to critical information to manage patient care.

"The right medication, the right patient, and the right dosage," says Jane McLeod Senior Director of Inpatient Services. "We are adopting a policy that 100 percent of medications given to our patients be verified at the bedside."

The process works by having medication information in the patient's medical records, which are brought up when caregivers scan the bar codes located on a patient's wristband. They then scan the medication bar code to verify that, indeed, the two belong together. If any problems are noted, no medication is given until verification can be obtained. If all information is confirmed the patient receives their dose as prescribed and it is immediately documented in the medical record.

Initially the BMV program will be launched in all inpatient units as of this week. It is anticipated emergency services and behavioral health services will all be on-line later this spring.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Jane McLeod, War Memorial Hospital