The impact of interruptions on medication errors in hospitals : an observational study of nurses

Maree Johnson, Paula Sanchez, Rachel Langdon, Elizabeth Manias, Tracy Levett-Jones, Gabrielle Weidemann, Vicki Aguilar, Bronwyn Everett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aim: To explore interruptions during medication preparation and administration and their consequences. Background: Although not all interruptions in nursing have a negative impact, interruptions during medication rounds have been associated with medication errors. Method: A non-participant observational study was undertaken of nurses conducting medication rounds. Results: Fifty-six medication events (including 101 interruptions) were observed. Most medication events (99%) were interrupted, resulting in nurses stopping medication preparation or administration to address the interruption (mean 2.5 minutes). The mean number of interruptions was 1.79 (SD 1.04). Thirty-four percent of medication events had at least one procedural failure, while 3.6% resulted in a clinical error. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that interruptions occur frequently during medication preparation and administration, and these interruptions were associated with procedural failures and clinical errors. Nurses were the primary source of interruptions with interruptions often being unrelated to patient care. Implications for nursing management: This study has confirmed that interruptions are frequent and result in clinical errors and procedural failures, compromising patient safety. These interruptions contribute a substantial additional workload to medication tasks. Various interventions should be implemented to reduce non-patient-related interruptions. Medication systems and procedures are advocated, that reduce the need for joint double-checking of medications, indirectly avoiding interruptions.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)498-507
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Nursing Management
Volume25
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Keywords

  • drugs
  • hospitals
  • medical errors
  • nurses

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