Evaluation of a Barcode Medication Administration Information System

When a medication administration error occurs, patient safety is endangered. Barcode medication administration system usage has been implemented to reduce medication errors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate barcode medication administration system usage outcomes. A survey based on DeLone and McLean's model of information systems success was utilized. The questionnaire, composed of 27 items, explored system quality, information quality, service quality, user satisfaction, and usage benefits. It was completed by 232 nurses. User satisfaction received the highest average score, and quality of information was the most critical factor related to this result (r = 0.83, P <.01). Medication errors occurring before and after barcode medication administration use were collected, and the reasons for errors related to work process were explored. Medication errors decreased from 405 at preimplementation to 314 at postimplementation (t = 77.62, P <.001). The main reason for medication errors related to work process was "not following the standard procedure," followed by "other factors." While technology is deployed to support individual practice, organizational elements also remain important to technology adoption.