title: Electronic inventory systems and barcode technology: impact on pharmacy technical accuracy and error liability.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To measure the effects associated with sequential implementation of electronic medication storage and inventory systems and product verification devices on pharmacy technical accuracy and rates of potential medication dispensing errors in an academic medical center.
  
  
  METHODS
  During four 28-day periods of observation, pharmacists recorded all technical errors identified at the final visual check of pharmaceuticals prior to dispensing. Technical filling errors involving deviations from order-specific selection of product, dosage form, strength, or quantity were documented when dispensing medications using (a) a conventional unit dose (UD) drug distribution system, (b) an electronic storage and inventory system utilizing automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) within the pharmacy, (c) ADCs combined with barcode (BC) verification, and (d) ADCs and BC verification utilized with changes in product labeling and individualized personnel training in systems application.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using a conventional UD system, the overall incidence of technical error was 0.157% (24/15,271). Following implementation of ADCs, the comparative overall incidence of technical error was 0.135% (10/7,379; P = .841). Following implementation of BC scanning, the comparative overall incidence of technical error was 0.137% (27/19,708; P = .729). Subsequent changes in product labeling and intensified staff training in the use of BC systems was associated with a decrease in the rate of technical error to 0.050% (13/26,200; P = .002).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pharmacy ADCs and BC systems provide complementary effects that improve technical accuracy and reduce the incidence of potential medication dispensing errors if this technology is used with comprehensive personnel training.
authors: University of Colorado Hospital , Aurora, Colorado ; University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Aurora, Colorado.
authors: Alan R
authors: AR
authors: Oldland
authors: University of Colorado Hospital , Aurora, Colorado ; University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Aurora, Colorado ; University of Colorado Health Sciences Library/Center for Drug Information, Education and Evaluation , Aurora, Colorado.
authors: Larry K
authors: LK
authors: Golightly
authors: University of Colorado Hospital , Aurora, Colorado ; University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Aurora, Colorado.
authors: Sondra K
authors: SK
authors: May
authors: University of Colorado Hospital , Aurora, Colorado ; University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Aurora, Colorado.
authors: Gerard R
authors: GR
authors: Barber
authors: University of Colorado Hospital , Aurora, Colorado ; University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Aurora, Colorado.
authors: Nancy M
authors: NM
authors: Stolpman
keywords: barcode technology; electronic inventory; error rate; pharmacy; technician