TABLE III.
Ranking of QM tools based on the effectiveness with examples, in part following the suggestions of ISMP (Ref. 67). The lower numbers are the most effective.
| 1. Forcing functions and constraints | 5. Rules and policies |
| • Interlock | • Priority |
| • Barriers | • Establishing/clarify communication line |
| • Computerized order entry with feedback | • Staffing |
| • Better scheduling | |
| 2. Automation and computerization | • Mandatory pauses |
| • Bar codes | • Repair |
| • Automated monitoring | • PMI (preventive maintenance inspection) |
| • Computerized verification | • Establish and perform QC and QA (hardware and software) |
| • Computerized order entry | 6. Education and information |
| 3. Protocols, standards, and information | • Training |
| • Check-off forms | • Experience |
| • Establishing protocol/clarify protocol | • Instruction |
| • Alarms | |
| • Labels | |
| • Signs | |
| • Reduce similarity | |
| 4. Independent double check systems and other redundancies | |
| • Redundant measurement | |
| • Independent review | |
| • Operational checks | |
| • Comparison with standards | |
| • Increase monitoring | |
| • Add status check | |
| • Acceptance test |