| Primary Author: | Zeb Koran, RN, APN, DNP |
| Co-Principal Investigators/Collaborators: | Gloria Reidinger |
| Organization: | Northwest Community Hospital |
Abstract
Objective
The objective of this study was to determine the impact of two changes in medication administration in regards to the number of “runs” a nurse performs during medication administration.
Background
In 1999, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) estimated that between 44,000 and 98,000 Americans die each year as a result of a medical error. To decrease the possibility of errors, various methods to improve medication safety are being employed in today’s healthcare environment. (Sakowski et al., 2005) showed that bar-code point-of-care medication administration (BCMA) decreases medication errors but also impacts the medication administration system. While BCMA may have the positive impact of decreasing medication errors, it may also negatively impact the nurses’ workload.
Purpose
Northwest Community went through many changes; two of these were the addition of a new tower and the implementation of BCMA. The purpose of this study was to measure the impact these changes had on nurses workflow while administering medications.
Method
This was a quantitative study in which twenty nurses, 10 from each of two units were observed while passing their 9am medications. These observations occurred prior to any changes, after the implementation of BCMA and after one unit moved to a new tower. The observers recorded trips, distractions, non-medication related events, and times of these medication passes.
Results
The findings will be summarized and will show the impact of these changes. Future plans for further study will also be addressed.
Conclusion
Many hospitals are building additions or entirely new facilities. They are also incorporating BCMA. Because nurses already make many runs throughout their shift in caring for patients, it is important to consider how these various changes will impact their work and what we, as leaders, can do to increase positive impacts and decrease the negatives.
© Improvement Science Research Network, 2011