Abstract
Bar code labeling of dispensing packages (such as ampoules and vials) of injections has been made mandatory by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to prevent misidentification of medicines. We analyzed what changes were brought about in hospitals regarding adverse event prevention and work-related stress for nurses by this check system using bar codes for injections (hereafter referred to as the authentication system) and whether it was effective for risk management in healthcare.
Although it cannot be clearly said that the authentication system was effective in reducing the number of incident reports, there is a possibility that the number of incidents could be reduced by using the system correctly and accurately. In addition, it turned out that the authentication system brought about great changes in work-related stress for nurses. In particular, stresses of “psychological work load” and “subjective physical load” were improved with a significant difference before and after the introduction of the system.
Furthermore, by using the authentication system, changes and cancellations of orders can be checked just before preparing and mixing injections, allowing reduction of the discard rate of injections.
There is a possibility that the authentication system may exert a further effect on traceability and risk management in healthcare by improving the place and method of bar code labeling and the content of information.
