BOSTON, MA – The Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) is an effective strategy for identifying and adopting safe medication practices and improving medication safety, according to a paper authored by Ellen Zupa, RN, MS, OCN, Vice President for Nursing Services at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). She will present the results of the study at the 31^st Annual Congress of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), May 4-7, in Boston, MA.*

“This new technology offers an exciting opportunity for nurses to have more time with patients while practicing in a safer health care environment,” noted Zupa.

In preparation for implementation of an electronic health record at RPCI, including computerized prescriber order entry, a multidisciplinary group used FMEA to proactively evaluate and reduce potential failures and harm, and to design an electronic medication management process that reduced risk.

FMEA proved a valuable methodology for assessing potential failure points and patient safety issues in the high-risk patient environment in a comprehensive cancer center. The group was able to quantify significant risk reduction and achieve stakeholder acceptance of the process changes proposed.

The Oncology Nursing Society is a professional organization of more than 33,000 registered nurses and other healthcare providers dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research and administration in oncology nursing. The overall mission of ONS is to promote excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment, and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org

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*Editor’s Note: Podium Presentation, Abstract # 80: “Using Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) to Improve Medication Safety by Ellen Zupa, RN, MS, OCN®, CNAA, Joanne Abbotoy, RN, BSN, and Dan Koester, RPh, will be presented May 5, 9:45 – 11:15 am at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.