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[Errors in drug administration: knowledge diffusion and identification of the patients as important aspects]
1Departamento de Enfermagem Geral e Especializada da EERP-USP.
Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da U S P
|May 8, 2001
Summary
Medication administration errors are common. This study highlights the need for more research publication and improved patient identification to reduce medication errors in hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare quality and patient safety
- Nursing and pharmacy practice
- Medical error analysis
Context:
- Medication administration is a complex, multi-system process prone to errors.
- Existing literature and hospital practices regarding medication administration and patient identification were examined.
- The study focused on nursing, hospital, and pharmacy journals, as well as inpatient clinical settings.
Purpose:
- To identify and analyze publications on medication administration in nursing, hospital, and pharmacy journals (1987-1997).
- To assess the accuracy of bed and patient identification in an inpatient setting.
- To identify strategies for minimizing medication administration errors.
Summary:
- A literature review identified 19 articles on medication administration, with 42.1% focusing on technical aspects.
- An audit of 360 beds revealed 74.7% occupancy and 75.8% proper bed identification.
- Patient identification via bracelets was suboptimal, with only 23.8% identified correctly upon admission.
Impact:
- The findings underscore the necessity for increased publication of studies on medication errors.
- There is a clear need for enhanced strategies to minimize medication administration errors in inpatient care.
- Improving patient identification processes is crucial for patient safety and reducing adverse drug events.