Hello!

Do any sites have best practices for alternatives to barcode scanning of a patient's identification wristband prior to medication administration in order to perform barcode medication administration (BCMA)? There are some special patient populations, including patients in behavioral health, who need safe alternatives to patient identification wristbands. What highly-reliable alternatives have you observed that can help ensure that the right medications are administered to the correct patient in the absence of a patient identification wristband?

Thanks,
Mary Pat Bulfin
Medication Safety Pharmacist, Cleveland Clinic