Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
Smartphones: The Next Generation
Medication Administration Tool
Eizen Kimura
6.1
Introduction
A common aim of healthcare professionals is that patients regain a healthy state under
their professional and dedicated treatment. However, the “To Err is Human” (Kohn
et al.
2000
) report released by IOM (Institute of Medicine) in 1999 emphasized the
fact that many patients suffer from medical accidents every year. This report brought
to the healthcare domain the concept of “Safety Management” as a medical accident
measure, and attempted to ensure “Patient Safety” by the introduction of the ICT
(information and communications technology) check system.
The Japanese Council for Quality Health Care reported in 2009 that nurses had
the most frequent error incident reports, followed by physicians (Japan Council for
Quality Health Care Division of Adverse Event Prevention
2012
). Most incidents
occurred in the patient's room (inpatients) and the operating room; the most
frequent issues were “Bedside assistant jobs” and “Treatment care/procedure”.
The most frequent reported causes were “neglecting to check”, “misjudgment”,
and “neglecting to observe.” The report noted that the number of reported incidents
had not changed since 2005. It was also noted that 41 % of medical errors ensued
from medication administration (Lisby et al.
2005
). Medical safety management in
medical practice is still an ongoing issue.
The rising cost of medical technology development has encouraged national
interest in “sustainable health services”. For healthcare management reform, the
focus on information gathering and analysis of EHRs (Electronic Health Records) is
a pressing concern. We note the importance of medical safety practices, such as
properly documenting medical records, tracking expenditures for hospital business
analysis, and ensuring traceability and accountability.
