A Human-Centered Design Approach to Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) Alert Message Evaluation and Redesign

Abstract

During bar code medication administration (BCMA), clinicians use scanning technology to match patients to ordered medication and review messages that provide information about potential safety concerns. We used an iterative human centered design (HCD) approach with clinicians representing multiple areas within the health care system to evaluate and revise BCMA messages for patient safety and usability. A usability inspection helped to identify, classify, and explain usability concerns with the alert message language. Next, a workgroup consisting of nurses, pharmacists, and human factors engineers convened to redesign the messages. The process included identification of alert messages, discussion of revised language, and evaluation of mockups of alternative messages. A usability assessment with representative end users was conducted on messages identified as most critical and/or confusing. The revised alert messages should support clinicians in understanding the system and promote patient safety.