Background: Safe handling of human milk (HM) and enteral formulas for patients of all ages is critical in healthcare. Barcode scanning is commonly used to reduce errors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of barcode scanning for HM and formulas on patient safety.
Methods: Scanning is used at the time of feeding preparation for HM, facility-prepared formulas, and ready-to-feed enteral formulas for patients of all ages to confirm the feeding matches the provider order, record lot numbers, and ensure expired items are not used. HM feedings are scanned at the time of administration and discharge to ensure the correct milk is being provided to the correct patient. All formulas dispensed as samples to hospital inpatients and outpatients are scanned to record patient and product information in the event of a recall.
Results: Seven-year data showed that scanning has prevented HM misadministration 1226 times. Data for 2 and a half years of fortifier and formula scanning show 480 errors have been prevented. The results show benefits for both patient safety and staff efficiency.
Conclusion: The benefits of barcode scanning systems in healthcare are well documented. Beyond the scanning of HM, scanning of fortifiers and formulas can improve patient safety by preventing misadministration for patients of all ages. Systems that offer features such as calculating fortified HM and formula recipes, tracking product lot numbers, and verifying correct products to the provider order can further improve safety as well as efficiency.
Keywords: enteral nutrition; human milk; infant; patient safety; pediatrics; risk management.
© 2021 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.