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Bar coding for patient safety
Depending on where patients stay while in the hospital, they might have a bar code on their patient ID bracelets.
It’s part of a system the hospital uses to verify important information about patients and their treatment, including their medications.
The system uses:
- Bar Code Technology (scanning)
- Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR)
- Positive Patient Identification (PPID)
to confirm patients are receiving the correct medication.
EMAR, a computerized program, will list each patient’s medication profile, including what medications they’re on. Before a medication is given, the nurse or respiratory therapist will use a small electronic device to scan bar codes on the ID wristband and on medications. This will be done to ensure patients receive what are called the "five rights" of patient medication administration:
- The right patient
- receives the right medication
- in the right dose
- via the right route
- at the right time.
The nurse or therapist will receive a warning on the computer if there is any mismatch and will take action to ensure these five rights are met.
It’s just one more way we’re working to ensure our patients’ safety.
If you or your loved ones have any questions about the bar-coding program, please ask!
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