Closed-loop medication management: Results of a user survey

Background: New technologies, such as bar-code scanning systems, have played a significant role in enhancing medication processes over recent years. Despite the documented benefits, integration, acceptance, and user opinion continue to play an important role in the successful implementation of such systems. To date no studies have been carried out in Switzerland to assess the attitude or acceptance of nurses towards electronically supported medication systems after implementation. This study was conducted in order to close this gap. Methods: Following a four-month test phase of a closed-loop medication system on two mixed medical-surgical units in a tertiary teaching hospital, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted among the participating registered nurses (response rate: 62.5%). Results: The new system was evaluated positively by the majority (70%) of users. Accordingly, the barcode-assisted medication process was proven to be especially beneficial to users during the 24-hour medication preparation process and during the preparation of infusions. However, user compliance decreased significantly during the administration of bedside medication and the preparation of additional single doses. This was mainly due to a lack of time and inadequate system performance. Conclusion: In the study, 75% of participants reported that they were open to or even enthusiastic about using the new technologies and were supportive of their introduction into the medication process. Overall, the majority rated the new system as beneficial to daily clinical practice, provided the technical performance was high.