Decreased Incidence of Drug Error, Increased Satisfaction and Reduced Cost of Using Applicated Innovation Colour-Coded Labelling Rings for Identified Anesthetic Medical Syringes

Abstract

    Anesthesia involved frequently injection of potent intravenous drugs. These drugs were often prepared and drawn up in syringes some time before they were to be used. The potential of a wrong drug being given because of syringe swap or wrong dilution of drugs was a real possibility. The addition of colour-code  to a label was thought to been an additional visual for choosing the right syringe. But, the disadvantage was frequently slip off from syringe swap. Thus, the applicated innovation colour-coded labelling rings for identified anesthetic medical syringes could resolve these problem and increase convenient. The recycling of material was reduced the expenditure and generate usefulness. Objective: To compare incidence of drug error, satisfaction and the cost of using applicated innovation colour-coded labelling rings and colour-coded labeling stickers for identified anesthetic medical syringes. Methodology: The step of investigation were devided into 2 parts. First part was the step of applicated colour-coded labelling rings invention. Second part was the evaluation step by using questionnaire responded by anesthesia personnel who have used applicated colour-coded labelling rings. The respondents were asked to evaluate all 6 aspects namely; 1) usefulness 2) convenience 3) stability 4) clearness 5) overall satisfaction. The evaluating scales included the followings: 4 = excellent, 3 = good, 2 = fair, 1 = poor. The target of the effectiveness and satisfaction scores was at least 90% (3.6). Collection of incidenced drug error until three years ago to the present was done. The cost of using both colour-coded labelling were analysis. Result: The incidence of drug error did not found when started using applicated innovation colour-coded labelling rings. The average score for all aspects were more than 90% (3.65-3.91). The highest score was usefulness (3.91). The lowest score was stability (3.65). Cost of colour-coded labeling stickers calculated ratio 100 pices per 40 bahts and expensed 19,200 bahts per year, as for the applicated innovation colour-coded labelling rings estimated 170 bahts and could recycle. Conclusion: The applicated innovation colour-coded labelling rings for identified anesthetic medical syringes did not found the incidence of drug error. The anesthetist’s satisfaction were high. Reducing of cost for colour-coded labeling stickers estimated 100 times. This recommendation can applied for anesthetic department in another hospital.

Keyword:  Incidence of drug error, satisfaction, cost, applicated innovation colour-coded labelling rings