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A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Assessment of the Nurse Medication Administration Workflow Process
Nathan Huynh1, Rita Snyder2, José M. Vidal3
1Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Registered Nurse (RN) medication administration processes (MAP) were observed, revealing workflow variations. Bundled MAP, integrating medication tasks with other duties, impacts efficiency and redesign interventions.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Practice
- Healthcare Operations
- Patient Safety
Background:
- The Registered Nurse (RN) Medication Administration Process (MAP) is critical for patient care.
- Variations in MAP workflows can affect efficiency and outcomes.
- Understanding these variations is essential for optimizing healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To observe and analyze the Registered Nurse (RN) Medication Administration Process (MAP) in a tertiary care setting.
- To identify and compare variations in MAP performance, specifically unbundled versus bundled workflows.
- To explore the effects of these workflow differences on simulated redesign interventions.
Main Methods:
- An observational study of the RN MAP was conducted on two comparable medical units.
- 305 individual MAP observations were recorded over a 6-week period.
- A discrete-event simulation model was used to analyze workflow differences and redesign interventions.
Main Results:
- A key variation identified was between unbundled MAP (medication tasks only) and bundled MAP (medication tasks integrated with other patient care responsibilities).
- The study observed differences in how RNs performed MAP depending on the workflow.
- Simulation modeling was applied to assess the impact of these workflow variations.
Conclusions:
- Workflow design significantly influences the Registered Nurse (RN) Medication Administration Process (MAP).
- Understanding the distinction between bundled and unbundled MAP is crucial for effective process redesign.
- Further research using simulation can guide interventions to optimize MAP and improve healthcare efficiency.
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