Experience with the Use of the Codonics Safe Label System^™to Improve Labelling Compliance of Anaesthesia Drugs

Abstract

equipment that is able to barcode scan medications, read aloud the medication and the concentration and print a label of the appropriate concentration in the appropriate colour code. We decided to test this system in our facility to identify risks, benefits and usability. Our project comprised a baseline survey (25 anaesthesia cases during which 212 syringes were prepared from 223 drugs), an observational study (47 cases with 330 syringes prepared) and a user acceptability survey. The baseline compliance with all labelling requirements was 58%. In the observational study the compliance using the Codonics system was 98.6% versus 63.8% with conventional labelling. In the user acceptability survey the majority agreed the Codonics machine was easy to use, more legible and adhered with better security than the conventional preprinted label. However, most were neutral when asked about the likelihood of flexibility and customisation and were dissatisfied with the increased workload. Our findings suggest that the Codonics labelling machine is user-friendly and it improved syringe labelling compliance in our study. However, staff need to be willing to follow proper labelling workflow rather than batch label during preparation. Future syringe labelling equipment developers need to concentrate on user interface issues to reduce human factor and workflow problems. Support logistics are also an important consideration prior to implementation of any new labelling system.

Integration of the Codonics Safe Label System® and the Omnicell XT® Anesthesia Workstation into Pediatric Anesthesia Practice: Utilizing Technology to Increase Medication Labeling Compliance and Decrease Medication Discrepancies While Maintaining User Acceptability

“…Finally, implementation of this new technology was not disruptive to workflow and was widely accepted and easy to use by myriad anesthesia providers confirming its value in the intraoperative period. 10,11…”

“…Our study, like previous ones, demonstrated that use of the ALS has the potential to minimize or prevent many, if not all, of these errors. 10,11…”

“…Finally, implementation of this new technology was not disruptive to workflow and was widely accepted and easy to use by myriad anesthesia providers confirming its value in the intraoperative period. 10,11 Ultimately, patient safety considerations are paramount. The unique practice by anesthesiologists of preparing, labeling, and administering medications without pharmacy oversight can potentially contribute to significant medication error.…”

“…Our study, like previous ones, demonstrated that use of the ALS has the potential to minimize or prevent many, if not all, of these errors. 10,11 The drugs that anesthesia providers prepare are often supplied in look-alike glass ampules or bottles that can be easily misread or mislabeled in the fast-paced, noisy, tumultuous environment of the OR. A major safety function of the ALS is the auditory, double-check, read-back that occurs when the device scans the selected drug's barcode.…”

Evaluation of the Efficiency and Safety of a Safe Label System: A Prospective Simulation Study

“…Previous studies have demonstrated reduction in medication errors and improved compliance to labeling with the use of similar drug labeling systems. 3,4 However, these studies typically only comprised self-reported drug errors and are hence prone to underreporting. The role of these devices in preventing syringe swap also remains unclear because of the overall low incidences of these predominantly self-reported events.…”