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The relationship between the nursing work environment and the occurrence of reported paediatric medication

Kim Sears1, Linda O'Brien-Pallas, Bonnie Stevens

  • 1School of Nursing, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. kim.sears@queensu.ca

Journal of Pediatric Nursing
|January 8, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric medication administration errors (PMAEs) are linked to the nursing work environment. High workload, distractions, and poor communication increase PMAEs, necessitating system reforms for child safety.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Patient Safety
  • Healthcare Systems

Background:

  • Paediatric medication administration errors (PMAEs) pose significant risks to children.
  • Understanding factors contributing to PMAEs is crucial for improving child safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between the nursing work environment and reported PMAEs.
  • To identify specific environmental factors associated with increased PMAEs.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of reported potential (127) and actual (245) PMAEs.
  • Exploration of nursing work environment factors such as workload and communication.

Main Results:

  • Workload, distraction, and ineffective communication were significant contributors to PMAEs.
  • Medical/surgical units reported more errors than critical care units (p=.000).
  • A 2.9% increase in PMAEs per additional bed on units was observed (p=.001).

Conclusions:

  • The nursing work environment significantly influences the occurrence of PMAEs.
  • Systemic reforms are necessary to mitigate risks and reduce medication errors in pediatric care.

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