While I agree that BMV can be challenging and disruptive to the patient, it has been a major focus of hospitals and vendors for at least five years. The FDA is recommending implementation by September of 2013.

Utilization of bar codes on wristbands (different from those on forms) is one methodology to accomplish BMV. The use of RFID technology can accomplish the BMV task without disturbing the patient to access the barcode, although it is typically more expensive. The availability of RFID is something that should be explored with any electronic forms vendor you are considering.

Obviously the focus of BMV is the reduction of medication errors resulting in an increase in patient safety. The challenge is accomplishing this without increased delays or complications in quality patient care.

If your current BMV solution is creating errors or mis-matches, or unduly disrupting the patient care process, this is a serious matter that should be addressed. Hopefully these issues can be resolved by exploring some of the options available and create a safe and
efficient process.

“Every form outputted from Access EFM has patient identification bar codes on it, enabling positive patient ID throughout the encounter. Bar coded wristbands are generated at registration and reconciled with bar coded medication labels also printed by the Access system, facilitating accurate bedside medication verification (BMV).”

Reliance on Bar Coding is a problem. Erroneous reports of mismatches are common when the correct medication at the correct dose at the correct time is being given to
the correct patient in the correct room in the correct hospital. This wastes time and is disruptive to the care of other patients. Who approved these defective sytems?