Allegretti MG, Baldantoni E, Orrico D, Turra E; Health Technology Assessment International. Meeting (2nd : 2005 : Rome, Italy).
Ital J Public Health. 2005; 2: 144.
Hospital of Trento, via Crosina Sartori, 6, Trento, 38100 Italy Tel: 3351813535, Fax: 461903458, E-mail: mariagrazia.allegretti@apss.tn.it
Introduction: Automated medication distribution (AMD) systems combined with computerized physician orders (CPOE) have shown to be the most effective tool in reducing medication errors. In Europe this technology is new and full of promises. Objective: Describe the organizational impact of the introduction of the new AMD-CPOE (Busterspid) in the Hospital of Trento. Methods and Materials: AMD-CPOE (Busterspid) is an automatic dispenser to manage the logistic flow of pharmaceutical packets with a wireless connection with tablet PCs for prescribing at bedside. The AMD system was first introduced in summer 2004 on a internal medicine ward, then two months later coupled with CPOE on a neurological ward. The Ishikawa fish bone technique was used to assess the impact of AMD-CPOE (Busterspid). Results: The AMD system was a failure at first, due to lack of planning, but the main reason was the resistance to change by staff not aware of the potential advantages, more than aware of the initial drawbacks. Otherwise the AMD-CPOE system in neurology took advantage from the previous mistakes, but the strongest factor for success was linked to staff (manpower) willing to adopt the system. Conclusions: No matter how promising/good a new technique is, the organizational impact is strongly influenced by the human factor and the capacity/willingness to adapt to change. The knowledge acquired from this experience is "never give up" and careful plan every step and tipping points. The real challenge of every new technology is the careful evaluation of the organizational impact. In this field failing to plan is planning to fail.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Europe
- Humans
- Internal Medicine
- Male
- Medication Errors
- Medication Systems
- Pharmaceutical Preparations
- Physicians
- Prescriptions, Drug
- hsrmtgs
UI: 103141100
From Meeting Abstracts