Medication errors, routines, and differences between perioperative and non-perioperative nurses

Despite efforts to reduce the incidence of perioperative medication errors, these errors continue to be a problem. We examined written accounts from 16 nurses who discussed medication errors in the perioperative environment and 11 nurses who provided additional information about perioperative errors, nursing education, and the state of health care. Preoperative medication errors were the most frequently reported perioperative medication errors. Other reported errors involved intraoperative medication administration, IV sedation, and "close call" events. Reasons for errors included production pressure, complacency, and failure to follow established routines. We also identified evidence of self-blame and lack of understanding between nursing units and specialty areas. We compared attitudes and opinions of nurses working in perioperative settings with those of nurses working in non-perioperative areas and found both similarities and differences in the perceptions of medication errors and why they occur.