Term | Definition |
adverse drug event (ADE) | an injury from a medication or lack of intended medication |
automation | any technology, machine or device linked to or controlled by a computer and used to do work |
bar code medication administration (BCMA) | encompasses the use of bar code scanning functionality into the medication administration phase of medication-use and combines a number of hardware and software components to display, receive and chart real-time patient and medication information |
carousel dispensing technology (CDT) | a medication storage cabinet with rotating shelves used to automate medication dispensing |
computerized prescriber order entry (CPOE) | a computer application that allows physicians to type prescriptions into a computer and send them directly to the pharmacy |
decentralized automated dispensing devices | secure storage cabinets capable of handling most unit-dose and some bulk (multiple-dose) medications |
electronic medication administration record (eMAR) | a real-time, computer displayed medication administration record |
human factors engineering | discipline of designing workplace facilities and tasks to meet the needs and optimize the performance of human beings |
interface | a physical or electronic connection that enables otherwise incompatible computer systems to communicate and exchange data |
integrate | a process in which separate components or subsystems are combined or are designed together at the same time with a unifying architecture and problems in their interactions are addressed |
medication error | any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient or consumer |
medication-use process | multi-step process
(1) prescribing/medication determination
(2) medication preparation, dispensing and counseling
(3) medication administration
(4) patient monitoring/ assessment
(5) purchasing/inventory management |
radio frequency (RF) network | used in the wireless communications industry to describe equipment using radio frequency waves to transmit sounds and data from one point to another |
smart pumps | infusion devices with clinical decision support software and drug libraries that perform a test of reasonableness at the point of medication administration |
supply chain management | oversight of the process of moving products, information and money between pharmacies, wholesalers, pharmaceutical companies, and other organizations in the supply chain |
technology | anything that is used to replace routine or repetitive tasks previously performed by people, or which extends the capability of people |
ampul | a single-use container composed entirely of glass |
cannula | a tube like a needle or catheter used to infuse parenteral fluids and medications into the vascular system or other body spaces |
electrolyte | dissolved ions that include Na, K, Cl, Ca, PO4, and others |
epidural | the space superior to the dura mater of the brain and spinal cord and inferior to the ligamentum flavum; outside the subarachnoid space where the cerebrospinal fluid flows |
extravasation | the inadvertent administration of vesicant medication or solution into the tissue surrounding an artery or vein |
incompatibility | incapable of being mixed or used simultaneously without undergoing chemical or physical changes or producing undesirable effects |
infiltration | the inadvertent administration of non-vesicant medication or solution into the tissue surrounding an artery or vein |
intrathecal | space within the spinal canal |
parenteral (or injectable) | dosage form intended for injection through one or more layers of skin or other external boundary tissue, so that the active substances are administered directly into a blood vessel, organ, tissue or lesion |
sharps | objects in the health care setting can be reasonably anticipated to penetrate the skin and to result in an exposure incident |
standard precautions | guidelines designed to protect workers with occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens |
total parenteral nutrition (TPN or hyperalimentation) | the intravenous provision of total nutritional needs for a patient who is unable to take appropriate amounts of food enterally |
vehicle | liquid in which active ingredients are dissolved, suspended or emulsified |
vial | a plastic or glass container with a rubber closure secured to its top by a metal ring |