Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Medication administration in nursing homes: pharmacists' contribution to error prevention
Charlotte L Verrue1, Els Mehuys, Annemie Somers
1Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium. charlotte.verrue@ugent.be
Background:
The elderly use a large number of medications, which exposes them to an increased risk for medication-related errors, especially in nursing homes.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of an educational session addressing good medication administration practices on the medication administration error rate in 2 nursing homes.
Method:
A before-after study was performed, comparing outcome measurements 1 month before and 1 month after implementation of a formal training session on "good medication administration principles." Medication administration errors were detected using a direct observation method. Two experts (a geriatrician and a clinical pharmacist) scored the clinical relevance of these errors. The study was carried out between March 2007 and June 2007.
Results:
In both nursing homes, the overall error rate (preparation errors and administration errors) decreased after the intervention. This decrease was significant both in nursing home 1 (P < .001) and nursing home 2 (P = .049). None of the observed errors was rated highly likely to cause harm according to the experts.
Conclusion:
An educational session about good medication administration practices provided by a pharmacist is a very simple way to decrease medication administration error rates and to raise awareness on the possible clinical significance of the errors.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Guidelines for Nursing Documentation I
Factual:
The following points emphasize the significance of upholding accurate and unbiased documentation in healthcare.
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption
Guidelines and Strategies for Safe Computer Charting
Maintain Confidentiality and Security:
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution
