Verbal Order Process, Control and The Results Evaluation at a University Hospital

Abstract

In hospitals, the immediate administration of the treatment recommended by the physician is important for the patient safety, quality patient care, not prolonging the hospitalization length and expense. When considering near-miss/happened medication administration error in patient safety, it is discovered that verbal requests also play a role. Aim: This study was conducted in a university hospital using a standardized verbal request process, control and result evaluation to identify problems that develop throughout the implementation process and to offer solutions. Design/Method: The study was carried out by retrospectively assessing verbal requests given between January and December 2019 in accordance with the standard of taking verbal request used in a 110-bed university hospital. The data were analyzed based on the department, the status of requests within and outside of working hours, the presence of the physician's signature on the form, academic staff, and the physician’s full-time/contracted job status. The SPSS 24 software was used to analyze the data. Results: It was established that a total of 2033 verbal requests were put in the hospital where this study was conducted; with medicine accounting for 51.6% (n=1048) of the verbal requests. It was determined that 53% (n=57) of the doctors who put in verbal requests were contracted, 47% (n=51) were permanent employees, and 50.6% (n=531) of the requests were given during working hours and 49.4% (n=517) were given outside of working hours. Conclusion: Considering the research results, it was detected that the number of signed verbal requests is low; that, despite the institution’s large number of contracted doctors, their own staff physicians use many verbal requests and do not sign the forms; and that more verbal requests are given during working hours.