Impact of barcode medication administration on patient safety in UK hospital settings: protocol for a mixed-methods realist evaluation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Barcode medication administration (BCMA) systems are increasingly being implemented in hospital settings, with the aim of decreasing medication administration errors. However, the majority of the literature demonstrating the value of BCMA in supporting patient safety is from the USA. Furthermore, little is known about the underlying mechanisms that support its use. This study aims to explore the impact of BCMA on patient safety including medication admisntration errors and nursing time spent providing direct patient care, in terms of what works, for whom, under what circumstances, and how.

Methods and analysis

We will use a mixed-methods realist evaluation. The study will be conducted in four phases, at two London NHS teaching trusts and one South West Region NH

SUBMITTER: Mahmoud A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12612751 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature