Hi everyone,
We're doing an assessment of our current implementation of the periop guidelines. A question came up for 4.4: Include a machine-readable code (e.g., barcode, radiofrequency identification [RFID]) on all syringe and infusion labels, including those that are PRACTITIONER-PREPARED, by 2025.
Exception: This excludes medication labels used on the STERILE FIELD. Use sterile, pre-printed medication labels on the STERILE FIELD, whenever possible.
I'm not sure if I'm interpreting this correctly. Is the spirit that labels with barcode/RFID would be printed at the point of dose preparation, and thus we need to invest in label printers in periop areas?
Or that we would provide pre-printed labels (with spaces for for initials/BUD/etc) that also contain a barcode or RFID?
I'm especially curious if anyone has implemented this and can share their workflow. We're having a bit of trouble conceptualizing the process, especially given exceptions for meds on the sterile field and immediate prep/administration.
Thanks!
Erin