Texas Probes Heparin Infant Overdose – Medical Errors

Two babies have died, the investigation still continues.  Bar Coding certainly can help the issue, perhaps along with a little software to perhaps monitor before the medication is given.  Just like your computer asks, “are you sure you want to delete this file” if you will, software could also come to the rescue with presenting a screen on either a computer or portable device that shows the dose set to administer, along with verifying the medication to be given, with a pop up window giving a summary of what has been input, and a message asking for confirmation, such as “are you sure this is the correct medication and is this the dosage to be administered”. 

In other words, software can be a potential big help with a “time out” and reaffirming the dose and medication before it is done.  Many argue that some of these procedures used are a waste of time, but when it comes to verifying crucial information and having the potential to save a costly medical error, what’s a couple seconds.  E-prescribing software does this for physicians, with potential interaction warnings, etc. and something similar could certainly not hurt to have as a final check, especially in light of what has been in the news today.  We all get distracted and are multi functioning in almost everything we do today and when things are rushed and stringent time goals are looking us in the face every minute, a short “time out” with the help of a little technology could certainly prove to be a very welcome thought.  BD 

Christus Spohn Hospital South said it has yet to determine if the deaths of the children, who were twins, are related to a heparin overdose that left another infant in critical condition. Twelve other babies remain in stable condition after receiving a dose that may have been 100 times too strong, while two more babies have been released from the hospital.

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ABC News: Texas Probes Heparin Infant ODs