Use of mobile devices and medication errors in acute care: a systematic review protocol

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Patient Safety
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Mobile devices are increasingly integrated into healthcare.
• Medication provision involves prescribing, dispensing, and administration.
• Potential impacts of mobile device use on medication errors require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on mobile device use by healthcare providers during medication provision.
• To assess the effect of mobile device use on medication errors in acute care.
• To synthesize findings for improved patient safety.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search for studies on mobile device use and medication errors.
• Inclusion of studies from acute care settings.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding prescribing, dispensing, and administration stages.

Main Results:

• Evidence synthesis on the association between mobile device use and medication errors.
• Identification of specific stages of medication provision most affected.
• Analysis of factors influencing the relationship.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the impact of mobile devices on medication errors is crucial for patient safety.
• Evidence-based recommendations for mobile device use in acute care medication processes.
• Informing best practices for healthcare providers to minimize medication errors.