Table 1

Key characteristics of papers

First authorYearStudy designCountryContextParticipantsStandard
Ashour292021Hierarchical task analysisUKCommunity pharmacyP, PTDispensing of medication policy
Back302017Ethnographic studyUKEmergency departmentsN, DrEscalation policy
Barrett312020Interview studyUSAMedical and surgical unitsN, Dr, MElectronic health record policy
Blijleven132017Observation and interview studyNetherlandsMedical and surgical units, paediatricsN, Dr, AdElectronic health record policy
Bressers322021Ethnographic studyNetherlandsAnaesthetics, emergency departmentsDrSafe surgery checklist, infection control protocol, supervision standards
de Saint Maurice332010Document analysis and interview studyFranceAnaestheticsN, DrNew preoperative rule for documenting certain items in patients notes
Dupret342017Observations, interviews, surveyDenmarkIntensive care, geriatrics, psychiatric ward, radiotherapy, telemedicine, oncology, cardiologyN, StN, MStandardised pain assessment using visual analgoue score (VAS)
Grant352017Ethnographic studyUKGeneral practiceN, Dr, Ad, MResults handling process
Hakimzada362008Ethnographic studyUSAEmergency departmentsN, Dr, AdIdentification procedures
Jones372016Naturalistic inquiryAustraliaIntensive care, medical and surgical units, emergency departments, neuroscience, rehabilitation, transitional careNInfection control protocol, central venous catheter protocol, medication administration protocol
Jones382018Interview studyUKCommunity pharmacyP, PTDispensing of medication policy
Lee392021Mixed methodsKoreaMedical centresNElectronic health record policy
Lyons40*2018Mixed methods studyUKIntensive care, medical and surgical units, paediatrics, oncologyN, DrIntravenous medication administration policy
Mula412019Case studyMalawiMedical and surgical unitsN, Dr, PAntibiotic stewardship standards
Mulac422021Mixed methodsNorwayGeriatrics, cardiologyNBCMA policy
Niazkhani432011Qualitative studyNetherlandsMedical and surgical unitsN, Dr, P, PTStandards supporting medication use cycle
Popescu442011Naturalistic inquiryAustraliaMedical and surgical units, cardiologyNMedication administration protocol
Qian452018Mixed methods studyAustraliaCare homeN, NAMedication administration protocol
Rack462012Mixed methods studyUSAMedical and surgical unitsNBCMA policy
Sanford472022Ethnographic studyUKMedical and surgical units, intensive care, geriatricsN, DrGender breach policy
Schutijser482019Qualitative studyHollandMedical and surgical unitsNDouble-checking of injectable medication
Vassilakopoulou49†2012Case studyGreeceCommunity pharmacyP, PTElectronic prescription policy
Uema502020Mixed methods studyJapanIntensive care, medical and surgical units, emergency departments, neuroscience, rehabilitation, transitional careDrHigh concentration of KCl infusion policy
Vassilakopoulou51†2012Case studyGreeceCommunity pharmacyP, PTElectronic prescription policy
Vos52*2020Qualitative studyUKIntensive care, medical and surgical units, paediatrics, oncologyNIntravenous medication administration policy
Watt532019Interview studyUKAcute hospital trustN, Dr, NA, AdBlood transfusion policy
Westphal542014Qualitative studyUSAMedical and surgical units, rehabilitation, community healthcareStNInfection control protocol, medication administration protocol

  • *These studies were based on the same dataset.

  • †These studies were based on the same dataset.

  • ‡Policies related to patients being admitted to single sex bays.

  • Ad, administrative staff; BCMA, barcode medication administration; Dr, doctor; M, midwife; N, nurse; NA, nursing associate; P, pharmacist; PT, pharmacy technician; StN, student nurse.