Medication study supports registered nurses' competence for single checking

Int J Nurs Pract. 2002 Dec;8(6):330-5. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-172x.2002.00387.x.

Abstract

In 1999, a review of medication policies and practices for The Geelong Hospital, a Victorian regional acute care hospital, was conducted under the leadership and direction of the Executive Nursing Director. The findings of the review suggested that a study be conducted to examine the safety of single-person (registered nurse division 1) checking of a designated group of medications that had previously been double-checked. The present study was conducted as a descriptive study in adult inpatient units and speciality and midwifery services of The Geelong Hospital, and included the monitoring of medication errors for the designated group of medications under a single-person checking protocol for a 7-month period. A similar number of medication errors were reported when compared with a similar time-frame in which double-person checking was standard practice. At the completion of the study, a convenience sample of 129 nurses from the participating units and services completed questionnaires. The majority of the nurses appreciated the increased autonomy the change to single-person checking of medications provided. They also identified benefits for patients, including that they were able to be more responsive to patient needs.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Clinical Competence / standards*
  • Drug Therapy / nursing*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Medication Errors / prevention & control*
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / education*
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology
  • Safety Management / methods
  • Safety Management / standards
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Victoria