Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Reduce Medication Errors Through the Implementation of Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE), Medication Bar Coding and Smart Pump Technology

After acknowledging that medication errors were on the rise, the facility implemented computerized physician order entry and medication barcoding to assist with medication verification, and initiated the transition to smart pump technology that included safety software. Drug libraries were developed within clinical areas which included hard and soft stops to help prevent medication dosing errors.

With these new implementations, the facility has seen a 30 percent reduction in medication errors for 2011-2012.

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This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)