New research is helping define how barcode medication systems can reduce medication errors and improve patient safety in practice.

Research leads:

Quick facts:

  • Each year, 37 million medicine mistakes are made in English hospitals
  • Around one in 13 errors cause moderate or serious harm
  • Barcode systems have the potential to reduce errors

In English hospitals, there are some 37 million medication errors each year. About one in 13 cause moderate or serious harm. Barcode medication administration (BCMA) systems are increasingly being used across the NHS to help reduce these errors. They work by scanning medicines and patient wristbands before giving a patient their medication. However, there is limited understanding of when these systems are most effective and what helps or hinders their use in real clinical settings.

The BCMAPS study, led by Professor Bryony Dean Franklin and Dr Aseel Mahmoud, and funded by the NIHR through the NIHR Patient Safety Research Collaboration: North West London, looked at three NHS hospital trusts to explore how the systems work in practice and what makes them effective. Findings suggest that BCMA can reduce errors, but only when supported by reliable technology, well-designed workflows and strong organisational support.

The study also identified key challenges. Systems that are slow, poorly designed or generate excessive alerts can lead staff to develop workarounds. This reduces their effectiveness. The study highlighted the importance of leadership and practical support on an ongoing basis in ensuring consistent and safe use.

Bryony and Aseel will use the findings to develop clear, evidence-based guidance for NHS staff and policymakers on how to improve the use of BCMA in hospitals. If adopted, these have the potential to reduce medication errors, keep patients safe and make better use of staff time. Further research will build on this work to develop and test targeted interventions, with the aim of embedding safer medication practices across the NHS.