Sudbury innovation could slash medication errors globally

SUDBURY, ON — A groundbreaking innovation developed by a pharmacy technician at Health Sciences North (HSN) is poised to revolutionise medication labelling in hospitals across Canada, potentially reducing one of the most significant health risks faced by patients today.

Medication errors remain a pressing concern within healthcare facilities. The Canadian Patient Safety Institute reports that up to 37% of preventable adverse drug events occur during the medication administration process, often due to improper or unclear labelling. These mistakes can lead to incorrect dosages, administration of expired medications, and other serious consequences that jeopardise patient safety and strain healthcare resources.

Enter SmartyPrints, an innovative solution created by Avalon Lupini (pictured), a pharmacy technician with 17 years of experience at HSN, the regional hospital serving Northeastern Ontario. Recognizing the challenges posed by factors like ambiguous handwriting, smudged labels, and labels failing to stick to cold or wet surfaces, Lupini sought a user-friendly and cost-effective answer.
“Medication labelling errors are not just statistics; they have real impacts on patient care,” Lupini said. “I wanted to create something that would directly address these issues and be easy for pharmacy staff to implement.”

SmartyPrints is a tabletop device that automates and simplifies the pharmacy labelling process. With an intuitive touchscreen interface, pharmacy technicians can swiftly select label formats and expiration dates, significantly reducing the likelihood of errors. The device requires no technical support or network integration, making it accessible for hospitals of all sizes.

“The labels produced are designed specifically for the demanding conditions of hospital environments,” added Lupini. “They feature an all-temperature adhesive that ensures they remain affixed to cold or moist products, such as refrigerated IV bags. Additionally, the labels are resistant to water, alcohol, and chemicals, eliminating the risk of smudging or fading and ensuring critical information stays legible.”

Pharmacy departments have reported reduced labelling errors, improved workflow efficiency, and heightened staff morale. Notably, a single roll of labels can save up to five hours of manual writing time, allowing technicians to focus on other essential tasks that directly enhance patient care. Hospitals have also observed a reduction in waste from lost or damaged labels, often achieving a return on investment within three to six months.

“Implementing SmartyPrints has streamlined our pharmacy operations,” said David McNeil, HSN’s president and CEO. “What Avalon has created here is a game-changer in terms of efficiency and patient safety not just in Canada, but potentially across the globe. Her work on SmartyPrints is a shining example of how our staff are driving meaningful improvements in patient care.”

Health Sciences North, associated with the award-winning Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI), has long been a hub for innovation, serving a diverse population that includes Indigenous communities and Francophones. The development of SmartyPrints underscores HSN’s role as a centre of excellence and a destination of choice for innovators in the healthcare space.

As the healthcare industry continues to grapple with the challenges highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, innovations like SmartyPrints demonstrate the critical role that frontline workers play in advancing healthcare solutions. With medication labelling errors remaining a focal point for patient safety initiatives, SmartyPrints is set to become an integral tool in hospital pharmacies nationwide.