Double-checking high-risk medications in acute settings: a safer process

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety
• Medication Management

Background:

• Medication errors pose a significant risk in healthcare settings.
• Double-checking is a recognized strategy for mitigating errors with high-risk medications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on safe double-checking processes for medications.
• To provide evidence-based guidance for nurse managers on medication administration safety.

Main Methods:

• Literature review conducted as part of a Master of Science (MSc) project.
• Analysis of evidence, processes, supportive safety measures, and human factors in double-checking.

Main Results:

• Two individuals double-checking the complete medication administration process strengthens practice.
• Clinical setting and context are vital components of medication safety.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a two-person double-check system enhances medication administration safety.
• Nurse managers can utilize this evidence to improve safety protocols in clinical environments.