The strategic role of education in the prevention of medication errors in nursing: part 2

It has been established that medication errors are a significant cause for concern in healthcare settings. In Part 1 of this paper the gravity of this problem in addition to the some of the contributing factors were discussed. The shared nature of the problem across disciplines was highlighted in addition to the potential benefits of multi-disciplinary collaboration in resolution of the problem. The contribution that education can make in this regard is unquestionable both at pre-registration (undergraduate) and post-registration level. A variety of pragmatic proposals will be presented for consideration. In addition, clinical and educational measures that have been shown to reduce medication errors will also be proffered and the way(s) forward to ensure optimal medication management and patient safety will be explored from a nursing perspective. The specific aim of this paper is to illuminate the significant role that education, in both academic and clinical settings, can play in the preparation of nurses for their roles in medication management and the marked reduction in errors and improved patient outcomes in this area of practice that they can yield.