Medication administration errors in the domain of infusion therapy on intensive care units: A survey study among nurses

Abstract

Abstract Background : Despite extensive research carried out on medication administration errors (MAEs) in the domain of infusion therapy, there is limited knowledge on nurses perceptions on the occurrence of MAEs during infusion therapy. Since nurses are responsible for medication preparation and administration in Dutch hospitals, it is vital to understand their perspective on the risk factors for MAEs. Aim: The purpose of this study is investigated the perception of nurses, working on adult ICUs, on the occurrence of MAEs during continuous infusion therapies. Methods: A digital web based survey was distributed among 91 ICU nurses working in Dutch hospitals. The survey investigated nurses’ perceptions on the frequency, severity of consequences and preventability of MAEs, factors for the occurrence of MAEs, and infusion pump and smart infusion safety technology. Results: A total of 91 nurses completed the survey Medication-related factors and intensive care-related factors were perceived as the two most important risk categories for the occurrence of MAEs. Important risk factors contributing to the occurrence of MAEs included high patient-nurse ratio, problems in communication between caregivers, frequent staff changes and transfers of care, and no/incorrect dosage/concentration on labels. Drug library was reported as the most infusion pump feature and both Bar Code Medication Administration and medical device connectivity as the two most important smart infusion safety technologies. Nurses perceived the majority of MAEs as preventable. Conclusions:Results observed in this study suggest ICUs to focus on prevention strategies to reduce risk factors for MAEs as well as to increase awareness among nurses on the risks of MAEs.