Sleep deprivation and medication administration errors in registered nurses-A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Patient Safety
• Sleep Science

Background:

• Sleep deprivation is a significant concern for registered nurses (RNs), particularly shift workers.
• Impaired cognitive function due to sleep deprivation can negatively impact clinical performance.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests a potential link between RN sleep deprivation and medication errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review on the impact of registered nurses' sleep deprivation on medication administration errors.
• To synthesize existing research on the relationship between RN sleep quality and medication safety.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was performed utilizing the Prisma-ScR framework.
• Database searches yielded 171 results, with 18 empirical studies included after applying selection criteria.
• Included studies encompassed retrospective error analyses, perception surveys, and observational designs.

Main Results:

• RNs perceive fatigue, potentially from sleep deprivation, as a factor in medication errors.
• Observational studies yielded conflicting results regarding the direct impact of sleep deprivation on error rates.
• The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was the most commonly used tool for measuring sleep quality.

Conclusions:

• While RNs suspect sleep deprivation contributes to medication errors, robust evidence is currently lacking.
• Further research is necessary to establish a definitive connection between RN sleep deprivation and medication administration errors.
• Nurses must recognize the potential influence of sleep on patient safety and medication administration.