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Recommended Citation
George S, Susay J. Scan-Do Attitude. Quality Improvement poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Presentation Notes
Quality Improvement poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Abstract
Background:
Medication scanning compliance was below the target of 95%. A team was formed to understand barriers. This team was led by two front line nurses. The team identified opportunities for improvement.
Local Problem:
In April 2024, the general pediatric unit’s medication scanning was as low as 88.7%, with the average weekly medication scan rate at 93.2% and patient ID band scan rate at 93.8%. Many teams contributed to the medication scanning non-compliance including respiratory, pharmacy, and bedside nurses. Some weeks respiratory medication scanning was as low at 7%. Bedside nurses had the largest number of fallouts, with 44% being their lowest.
Method:
The nurses led the teams through workflow optimization to reduce barriers. A dedicated computer for respiratory therapists and additional medication barcodes added to the unit’s automated dispensing system increased the compliance for respiratory team.
The team eliminated workarounds with patient ID banding by holding nurses accountable for scanning the patient band.
There were gaps in internet connectivity. The team partnered with IT to add routers.
The nurses partnered with pharmacy and supply chain to ensure convenience items ordered can be scanned.
The approach chosen was Rapid Cycle PDSA. Weekly medication compliance reports were reviewed to identify areas of opportunity.
Results/Conclusions:
After 14 weeks, the team maintained a medication scanning compliance greater than 95%. However, the unscannable convenience items issue has not yet been completely resolved.
Overall, the average patient medication scan compliance increased by 3.5% (96.7%) and the patient ID band scan rate increased by 3.5% (97.3%) between the two units.
A decrease in medication scanning events was noted, highlighting a focus on medication safety.
Implications for Practice:
This project demonstrated commitment to patient safety by assessing and addressing the front-line team's barriers to medication administration. Medication administration compliance improved after implementation of the new workflow practices.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-12-2025
Scan-Do Attitude
Background:
Medication scanning compliance was below the target of 95%. A team was formed to understand barriers. This team was led by two front line nurses. The team identified opportunities for improvement.
Local Problem:
In April 2024, the general pediatric unit’s medication scanning was as low as 88.7%, with the average weekly medication scan rate at 93.2% and patient ID band scan rate at 93.8%. Many teams contributed to the medication scanning non-compliance including respiratory, pharmacy, and bedside nurses. Some weeks respiratory medication scanning was as low at 7%. Bedside nurses had the largest number of fallouts, with 44% being their lowest.
Method:
The nurses led the teams through workflow optimization to reduce barriers. A dedicated computer for respiratory therapists and additional medication barcodes added to the unit’s automated dispensing system increased the compliance for respiratory team.
The team eliminated workarounds with patient ID banding by holding nurses accountable for scanning the patient band.
There were gaps in internet connectivity. The team partnered with IT to add routers.
The nurses partnered with pharmacy and supply chain to ensure convenience items ordered can be scanned.
The approach chosen was Rapid Cycle PDSA. Weekly medication compliance reports were reviewed to identify areas of opportunity.
Results/Conclusions:
After 14 weeks, the team maintained a medication scanning compliance greater than 95%. However, the unscannable convenience items issue has not yet been completely resolved.
Overall, the average patient medication scan compliance increased by 3.5% (96.7%) and the patient ID band scan rate increased by 3.5% (97.3%) between the two units.
A decrease in medication scanning events was noted, highlighting a focus on medication safety.
Implications for Practice:
This project demonstrated commitment to patient safety by assessing and addressing the front-line team's barriers to medication administration. Medication administration compliance improved after implementation of the new workflow practices.
Affiliations
Advocate Children's Hospital - PR & OL