Related Experiment Videos
Chemotherapy medication errors: descriptions, severity, and contributing factors
1Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Oncology Nursing Forum
|July 27, 1999
Summary
Chemotherapy medication errors are frequent, with 63% of nurses reporting them. Most errors are not reported externally, highlighting a need for improved safety and reporting practices in oncology nursing.
Area of Science:
- Oncology Nursing
- Medication Safety
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- Limited data exists on the frequency and nature of medication errors in chemotherapy administration.
- Understanding these errors is crucial for improving patient safety in oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of medication errors in chemotherapy.
- To identify factors contributing to these errors and explore reporting practices.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory, descriptive study design was employed.
- A mailed questionnaire was used to collect data from 160 Oncology Nursing Society members and 26 nonmembers involved in chemotherapy administration.
- The questionnaire gathered demographic information and nurses' descriptions of chemotherapy medication errors.
Main Results:
- Chemotherapy medication errors were reported by 63% of respondents, with 140 distinct errors described.
- Common errors included dosing inaccuracies, wrong drug administration, incorrect scheduling, and improper preparation.
- Contributing factors cited were stress, understaffing, inexperience, and unclear orders.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy medication errors are prevalent and often underreported to external databases or manufacturers.
- Enhanced training, adherence to medication administration principles, and adequate staffing are essential for risk management.
- Oncology nurses require education on reporting procedures for chemotherapy errors to national databases and manufacturers.