Sisters of Mercy Health System Implements Comprehensive Medication Safety Program
Includes Systemwide Introduction of Bedside Medication Bar-coding

ST. LOUIS (November 2004) - The Sisters of Mercy Health System (Mercy) has launched the "Mercy Meds" medication administration program, which will bring bedside bar-coding and other medication safety features to more than 3,000 patient beds in 10 hospitals. In addition to ensuring the safest, most reliable delivery of medication by using advanced barcode technology, the Mercy Meds program enables nurses and hospital pharmacists to spend more time with patients. Because of its multiple safety components and coordinated approach, the Mercy Meds program represents one of the most comprehensive patient safety initiatives to be implemented by a healthcare system.

From the time a doctor prescribes a medication to the time it's dispensed by the pharmacy and administered to the patient, Mercy has documented more than 70 steps in the process. Mercy Meds simplifies the process by eliminating unnecessary steps and implementing technology where possible to help identify potential medication issues.

With Mercy Meds, hospital pharmacists review patients' medication orders and enter prescription information into a computer. When giving medication to a patient, nurses wheel a computer to the patient's bedside that accesses information regarding the patient's medication regimen. Nurses use a handheld scanner to scan their own ID badge, the patient's bar-coded ID wrist badge and the barcode on the medication to verify accuracy.

The computerized system also prompts nurses to check for potential medication issues, such as the patient's blood pressure and diet, before giving the medication. By using the barcode technology, the medication administration is automatically and accurately documented in the patient's electronic medication record.

Mercy Meds Goes a Step Further
Less than five percent of the nation's 5,000 hospitals currently use barcode systems, partly because only 35 percent of pharmaceutical doses come with barcodes. The Mercy Meds program is unique because the Mercy health system has become its own pharmaceutical distributor, allowing it to store, repackage, barcode and distribute all medications used across Mercy, eliminating potential safety gaps that stem from using pharmaceuticals without barcodes.

In addition, the Mercy Meds program includes the use of computer-controlled medication storage cabinets on the nursing unit. The cabinets enable nurses to access medications in an easy and timely manner, and provide another safety check in the medication process.

Surpassing National Standards
In February 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule that will require drug manufacturers to bar code prescription drugs by 2006. In addition, consumer advocacy groups such as the National Quality Forum (NQF) and the Leapfrog Group for Patient Safety have endorsed several medication "safe practices" that should be used universally in clinical settings to improve patient safety. The Mercy Meds program greatly surpasses both the FDA rule and the NQF/Leapfrog safe practices in both timing and scope by combining unit-dose, bar-coded medications with bedside barcode scanning technology, and increasing nursing and pharmacist participation in medication safety. "Mercy is committed to ensuring an exceptional level of patient safety," said Ron Ashworth, president and chief executive officer of the Sisters of Mercy Health System. "We believe the benefits of Mercy Meds are essential in today's increasingly complex healthcare environment."

A primary goal of the initiative is to increase nurses' time at patients' bedsides, which will result in better hospital experiences and better health outcomes. Mercy Meds also positions hospital pharmacists as integral members of the collaborative patient care team, bringing their unique medication expertise and insight directly to the hospital floor.

"Mercy Meds allows Mercy to capitalize on our technical and clinical expertise, but most importantly, it helps us bring an increased level of comfort and peace of mind to our patients and their loved ones," said Kelly Turner, Pharm.D., manager-pharmacy services, Sisters of Mercy Health System.

About Sisters of Mercy Health System
The Sisters of Mercy Health System (Mercy) operates hospitals, physician practices, outpatient clinics, health plans and related health and human services in a seven-state area including Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. Services are provided by approximately 26,000 co-workers and 3,100 physicians who are employed or practice at Mercy facilities. Mercy is the 9th largest Catholic health care system in the U.S. based on net patient service revenue and is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy-St. Louis Regional Community. For more information, please visit www.mercy.net.