BARRIERS & BREAKTHROUGHS: LESSONS FROM THE FIELD
In 2011, ASHP released a position statement charging all hospital and health-system pharmacies to incorporate barcode scanning into dose preparation and dispensing of medications. Additionally, in 2014 HOPA stated in their best practice standards for Investigational Drug Service that “whenever possible, barcodes should be incorporated into the inventory, dispensing, and administration process.” Lastly, there is countless evidence in literature that barcode scanning processes are safer for medication dispensing and administration. So why in 2025 are research pharmacies hesitant to incorporate this technology?
This session explores all aspects of barcoding operations for investigational products from preparation, dispensing, and administration. Workflows between eDARFs and eMAR/EHR systems will be reviewed and discussed. Attendees will gain insights into how workflow redesign, leveraging technology, and incorporating change management tools can enhance drug accountability and provide a safer medication use system for clinical trial subjects. Learners will be provided with actionable items to implement within IDS workflows. Upon completion of the session, Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians will be able to:
- Examine the safety principles and workflow considerations involved in the handling and dispensing of investigational products with barcode technology.
- Demonstrate the steps of using barcoding technology to prepare and validate investigational product dispensing accurately.
- Assess potential of integrating barcoding technology into investigational product workflows to improve patient safety and compliance.
Attendees can earn up to 1 live hour of Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) credits per session. CE session must be attend live to receive credit.
The Investigational Insights Sessions were developed with the support of The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education’s Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (OICPD). The OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
SPEAKERS
Courtney Morris, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator,
Oncology Investigational Drug Service
St. Luke’s Medical Center
Kyle Richards, PharmD
Manager, Investigational Drug Service
University of Rochester
