NURS FPX 6202 Assessment 3: Quality Improvement Proposal

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Introduction

NURS FPX 6202 Assessment 3 Quality improvement in the health care system (QI) is important for providing safe, efficient and patient -focused care. For this evaluation, we recommend a QI project that will reduce the errors of the drug administration in an acute care setting through the implementation of the Barcode Drug Administration (BCMA) system.

Problem Statement: Medication Administration Errors

Medication errors are the most common and preventable hospital adverse events. They have the potential to cause patient harm, hospitalization, and cost.

Causes of Medication Errors

  • Misidentification of patients
  • Distraction during medication rounds
  • Illegible prescriptions
  • Failure to use technology

According to the Institute of Medicine, approximately 1.5 million preventable adverse drug events occur annually in the United States. (IOM, 2023) NURS FPX 6202 Assessment 3

Evidence-Based Intervention: Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA)

BCMA is an electronic confirmation process where nurses scan both the patient’s wristband and the medication to ensure the “five rights” of administration: correct patient, correct medication, correct dose, correct route, and correct time.

Supporting Evidence

  • Reduces medication errors by up to 41% (Poon et al., 2020)
  • Enhances nurse responsibility and patient safety
  • Incorporates seamlessly with electronic health records for documentation

🔗 Learn more about BCMA implementation

Proposed Quality Improvement Plan

Goal

To reduce medication administration errors by 50% in 6 months through BCMA implementation.

Objectives

  • Train 100% of nursing staff in BCMA
  • Integrate BCMA into daily meds rounds
  • Audit compliance weekly

Implementation Steps

Step Timeline Responsible Party
Conduct baseline error rate audit Week 1 QI Nurse
Purchase and install barcode scanners Week 2-3 IT Department
Staff training sessions Week 4-5 Nurse Educators
Go-live and monitoring Week 6 onward Nurse Managers

Interprofessional Collaboration

Effective QI projects depend on collaboration:

  • Nurses: Utilize the BCMA system at bedside
  • Pharmacists: Verify accurate medication labeling and records
  • IT Support: Manage system integration and maintenance
  • Leadership: Provide policy guidance and budget approvals

Evaluation Plan

  • Track medication error reports monthly
  • Conduct staff surveys to pilot BCMA usability
  • Revise training or workflows based on audit results

How To: Launch a Quality Improvement Project

  1. Identify a high-impact clinical problem
  2. Assemble and review evidence-based solutions
  3. Engage stakeholders and build a project team
  4. Implement, track, and revise the intervention
  5. Measure outcomes and spread findings

FAQs

❓ What is BCMA and why is it effective?

BCMA uses barcode scanning to confirm patients and medicines to make errors low in the process of administration.

❓ What advantage does BCMA offer nurses?

It streamlines workflow, confirms documentation, and enhances confidence in safe medication practice.

❓ What are the difficulties of implementing BCMA?

Training needs, technical problems, and resistance to change are to be expected but eased with planning.

Conclusion

Medication administration errors are a constant threat to patient safety. The implementation of a BCMA system, supported by interprofessional collaboration and routine assessment, offers an evidence-based and scalable solution. These initiatives to enhance quality of care enhance nursing practice and lead to safer patient care.

References

  • Institute of Medicine (IOM). (2023). Preventing Medication Errors. National Academies Press.
  • Poon, E. G., Keohane, C. A., Yoon, C. S., Ditmore, M., Bane, A., Levtzion-Korach, O.,. & Gandhi, T. K. (2020). Effect of barcode technology on the safety of medication administration. New England Journal of Medicine, 362(18), 1698-1707.
  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2024). Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA). Retrieved from https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/barcode-medication-administration

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