Supporting the Safe Use of the Dorsogluteal Intramuscular Injection Site: An Evidence-Based Quality Improvement...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Patient Safety
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Intramuscular (IM) injections are common in adult mental health settings, with nurses often using the dorsogluteal site.
• The dorsogluteal site is frequently used due to drug instructions or patient agitation, despite potential nerve injury risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the best evidence for the safe use of the dorsogluteal injection site.
• To implement evidence-based practices through nurse education.

Main Methods:

• An integrative literature review was conducted to identify best evidence.
• The Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement model guided implementation, including nurse education and simulation.

Main Results:

• Evidence supported dorsogluteal site use in specific instances, highlighting the importance of education.
• Nurses reported high satisfaction with training and simulation.
• No IM injection-related patient injuries were reported over two years post-implementation.

Conclusions:

• Reviewing current evidence supports the safe administration of IM injections at the dorsogluteal site.
• Education and simulation are crucial for safe nursing practice regarding injection sites.