Kenneth N. Barker
Papers
1
Total Citations
205
H-Index
1
About
Kenneth N. Barker is a pioneering figure in medication safety and pharmacy automation, whose research has fundamentally reshaped how information technology is applied to prevent medical errors. His seminal 2001 work, "How Can Information Technology Improve Patient Safety and Reduce Medication Errors in Children's Health Care?" (205 citations), established a critical framework for understanding how IT interventions—from computerized physician order entry to barcode administration systems—can dramatically reduce pediatric medication errors in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Barker’s career contributions extend far beyond this single paper; he is widely recognized for developing foundational methodologies to measure and classify medication errors, creating the observational techniques still used in hospitals worldwide. His research has directly influenced national patient safety initiatives and regulatory standards, demonstrating that systematic technological solutions can save lives. With hundreds of citations across his body of work, Barker’s legacy lies in bridging clinical practice with engineering principles, proving that well-designed information systems are not merely administrative tools but essential safeguards against human error. For students and researchers, his work remains a cornerstone of pharmacy informatics and a compelling case study in translating research into real-world patient protection.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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