Reducing Medication Errors on an Inpatient Eating Disorder Unit
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Authors
Dukart, Sara
Issue Date
2023-04-27
Type
Manuscript
Language
Keywords
Mental Health Nursing
Alternative Title
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a comprehensive approach resulting in a culture change to promote safety and a reduction in medication errors on an inpatient psychiatric Eating Disorder Unit. This required the engagement of an interprofessional team to explore systems and policies that would facilitate this change. Education focusing on the application of the six rights of medication within the EDU setting highlighting the importance of barcode scanning and the creation of a no-interruption zone during medication administration was implemented.
Background: An extensive analysis identified that although medication errors were multifactorial, prioritizing strategies that focus on the integration of the six rights of medication administration would support an evidence-based strategy to reduce medication errors.
EDU data for July showed 23.73% of medications were given outside of scheduled time and three medication safety events related to missed barcode scanning.
Sample/Setting: 8-bed inpatient EDU
Methods: An interprofessional in-service was completed using the TeamSTEPPS approach to introducing the project. Education was completed with nursing. EHR data was collected for November and December on barcode scanning rates, medications given outside of scheduled timed windows, and the number of safety events related to medication administration.
Results: Interprofessional collaboration was a key part of the success of this project. Medication Errors were reduced by 100% for no safety events reported for medication errors from missed barcode scanning for November and December. A reduction was noted in medications given outside the scheduled time window with a reduced error rate of 6.70% for November and 6.2% for December when compared to July’s Data.
Conclusion: Overall, the project shows that a safe environment to administer medications has been shown to reduce medication errors. It should also be noted that Interprofessional collaboration and involvement of organizational leadership are key to creating success.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University