Feasibility and accuracy of medication checks via Internet video

We investigated the feasibility and accuracy of using Internet-based videoconferencing for double-checking medications. Ten participants checked 30 different medications using a desktop PC and a webcam. The accuracy of the video-based checks was compared with ‘face-to-vial’ checks. The checks includ...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of telemedicine and telecare 2012-04, Vol.18 (3), p.128-132
Main Authors: Bradford, Natalie, Armfield, Nigel R, Young, Jeanine, Smith, Anthony C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Feasibility Studies
Female
Home Care Services
Humans
Internet
Male
Medication Errors - prevention & control
Middle Aged
Videoconferencing
Young Adult
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:We investigated the feasibility and accuracy of using Internet-based videoconferencing for double-checking medications. Ten participants checked 30 different medications using a desktop PC and a webcam. The accuracy of the video-based checks was compared with ‘face-to-vial’ checks. The checks included the drug name, dosage and expiry dates of ampoules, vials and tablets, as well as graduations on syringes. There was 100% accuracy for drug name, dosage, and graduations on syringes greater than 1 unit. The expiry dates proved more difficult to read, and accuracy was only 63%. The mean overall accuracy was 91% for all items. Internet video-based medication double-checks may have a useful role to play in processes to ensure the safe use of medications in home care.
ISSN:1357-633X
1758-1109
DOI:10.1258/jtt.2012.SFT102