Impact of Bar-Code Medication Administration and Electronic Medication Administration Record System in Clinical Practice for an Effective Medication Administration Process

Clinical innovations are ideations resulting from collective experiences that enhance the “norm” and embrace an avenue for change with an invention. As such, collective data that were suggestive of increased medication errors that compromised patient safety initiated the exploration of methods that could reduce multifactorial human errors. The pursuit for an appropriate system followed with the discovery of barcode medication administration system (BCMA) and electronic medication administration system (e-MAR). Prior to the adoption of BCMA and e-MAR, it was crucial to assess the impact of the new medication administration system and the rate of medication administration errors recorded, specifically those that resulted in harm. The purpose of the study was to evaluate BCMA and e-MAR usage outcomes, clinical practices, policies, and processes impacting nurses administering medications in the clinical environment using BCMA and e-MAR system. Thus, an annotated literature review was conducted prior to the implementation of the innovation which analyzed various studies that elaborated on their study methods, data collection and analysis that deliberated on the advantages and disadvantages of barcode medication administration system. It is evident in the researched journals that increased compliance was observed with appropriate guidance, processes and policies in place. There was also a significant reduction in reported errors. The incorporation of barcode technology with electronic medication administration record (e-MAR) had greatly improved the efficiency of the BCMA system. BCMAs method was one of the proposed solutions to medication administration errors and to enhance patient safety measures. As such, the innovation could significantly reduce medication error resulting from intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This paper will further elaborate on the advantages and disadvantages of BCMA and e-MAR, the strategies assumed in the development of BCMA and e-MAR system and its implementation process by identifying and overcoming potential challenges that may arise.

Leadership and Management Strategies That Promote the Implementation of Consumer-Centred Care in Residential Aged Care Facility

Enhancing leadership and management in the aged care sector is likely to be achieved through adopting cultural changes that are aimed at promoting a healthy working environment in which employees have job satisfaction and are motivated to commit their efforts towards achieving the organizational goals. A conducive working environment offers support, inspiration, and harmonious social relationships among the workers in the aged care homes. Both management and leadership play a role in enhancing a healthy working condition obligatory for implementing new care initiatives, effective strategies and practices that should be appropriately articulated. The current research study aims at examining effective strategies and practices that enhance management and leadership in the aged care sector with the aim of ensuring that all care initiatives are successfully implemented. The research question for the study is focused on the leadership and management strategies used to promote the implementation of consumer-centered care in residential aged care facility. Analysis was aimed at understanding the importance of management and leadership in promoting the implementation of various initiatives surrounding new care models;in this case, the consumer-centered care model in the aged care facilities across Australia and other parts of the world. One major theme emerged from the analysis, which was transforming the organizational culture that was promoted through changing the organizational systems, embracing the “yes culture”, and changing the individuals’ work habits. The “yes culture” means that all individuals are dedicated to succeeding in making excellent decisions autonomously. The study identified that managers and leaders shifted their emphasis from compliance with laws and regulations to create a conducive work environment that empowers workers to support any new initiatives undertaken. The strategy was successful, according to the findings.