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HOW BAR CODED MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION TECHNOLOGY AFFECTS THE NURSE–PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 October 2018

Marcel Boonen ,
Frans J.H. Vosman  and
Alistair Niemeijer
Marcel Boonen
Affiliation:
Elisabeth-Tweesteden [email protected]
Frans J.H. Vosman
Affiliation:
Department of Care Ethics, University of Humanistic Studies
Alistair Niemeijer
Affiliation:
Department of Care Ethics, University of Humanistic Studies
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Abstract

Objectives:

This study aims to assess how care is mediated through technology by analyzing the interaction between nurses, patients, and a Bar Coded Medication Administration (BCMA) system. The objective is to explore how patients experience care through medication technology, with the main focus of our observations and interviews on nurses rather than patients.

Methods:

A qualitative ethnographic study was conducted in an orthopedic ward of a Dutch general hospital.

Results:

After analyses, the following two themes were discerned: (i) the use of bar code medication technology organizes double institutionalization, and (ii) nurses frequently need to work around the BCMA, as the system is not always supportive of patient needs.

Conclusions:

The results of this study indicate that BCMA is not merely a neutral tool, but an active component within the nurse–patient relationship, as it influences medication administration and profoundly affects patient participation in the care process.

Keywords

PatientInstitutional ethnographyBar code medication technologyQualitative researchHospitalTechnology
Type
Assessment
Information
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care , Volume 34 , Issue 5 , 2018 , pp. 507 - 513
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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Footnotes

This research was sponsored by the University of Humanistic Studies and Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital. The authors would like to thank all the nurses at the orthopedic ward for their co-operation as well as the Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital in Tilburg, the Netherlands, for the opportunity to perform in-depth research.

References

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