IMPACT OF AUTOMATED DISPENSING SYSTEM AND BARCODE- ASSISTED MEDICATIONS
Main Article Content
Keywords
Automated Dispensing Systems; Barcode Medication Administration; Medication Errors; Patient Safety; Pharmacy Automation; Health Information Technology.
Abstract
Background and Objective: Medication errors represent a persistent challenge in healthcare environments. To mitigate these risks and improve patient safety, facilities increasingly rely on automated dispensing systems (ADS) and barcode-assisted medication administration (BCMA). This systematic review evaluates the impact of implementing these technologies on medication error rates, patient safety, and workflow efficiency. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL for peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025. The review included randomized controlled trials and prospective observational cohorts that assessed the concurrent use of ADS and BCMA in inpatient hospital wards. Two independent reviewers extracted data regarding medication administration error (MAE) rates and nursing workflow disruptions. Results: A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. The synthesized data indicates that the integration of ADS and BCMA resulted in a 42% to 58% reduction in medication administration errors across the included institutions. Specifically, the systems most effectively intercepted wrong-dose and wrong-time errors. However, 5 studies noted that alert fatigue and temporary workflow disruptions—primarily due to barcode scanning failures—occurred during the initial three months of implementation. Conclusion: The concurrent use of automated dispensing systems and barcode-assisted technology effectively improves medication safety and significantly reduces dispensing errors. While the initial integration requires workflow adjustments and hardware troubleshooting, the long-term benefits to patient outcomes are substantial. Future research should prioritize long-term nursing compliance and strategies to mitigate alert fatigue.