Quality and Safety in Health Care, Part X: Other Technology to Reduce Medication Errors.

There are many devices, as well as computer programs, that have the potential to reduce medication errors. In the prior article, computer provider order entry linked to electronic clinical decision support was discussed. The current article discusses bar coding, automated dispensing cabinets, and smart intravenous infusion pumps.

Preventing Workplace Injuries Among Perinatal Nurses.

Many aspects of perinatal nursing put nurses at risk for injuries, including frequent repetitive bending, lifting of clients, and exposure to potentially large amounts of body fluids such as blood and amniotic fluid. Violence is also a potential risk with stressful family situations that may arise around childbirth. Workplace injuries put a health care facility at risk for staff turnover, decreases in the number of skilled nurses, client dissatisfaction, workers' compensation payouts, and employee lawsuits. Through the use of safety equipment, improved safety and violence training programs, "no manual lift" policies, reinforcement of personal protective equipment usage, and diligent staff training to improve awareness, these risks can be minimized.

Quality and Safety in Health Care, Part IX: Computerized Provider Order Entry.

One of the most important technologic advances to reduce medication errors is computerized provider order entry linked with clinical decision support. These systems also have the potential to improve the adherence of clinicians to best practices, decrease the turnaround time for laboratory tests and radiology examinations, speed transmission of prescriptions to the pharmacy, decrease medication costs, and increase the frequency of vaccinations.

Quality and Safety in Health Care, Part VIII: Introduction to Medication Safety.

Injuries from medication are common and often preventable. Fortunately, there are many steps that can be taken to increase medication safety. Adopting a culture of safety including more reporting of medication errors and thorough investigation of their causes, better training including medical and communication skills, adopting superior procedures, and enhanced utilization of technology are all very helpful in reducing adverse events from drugs. The nursing staff is an important line of protection against patient injury from drug errors. The final line of protection is the patient and the patient's family, so educating them about their medical condition, their medication regimen, and how to participate in the process of staying healthy is essential for medication safety.

Hospital Safety for Women With Nicotine Addiction.

Hospital smoke-free policies are expanding to include all hospital-owned land and property. Because some women will choose to leave the hospital to satisfy nicotine cravings, smoke-free policies should account for this. Components of a policy can include a carefully designed smoking waiver form, nicotine substitution, smoking cessation education, behavioral counseling and supervised transport of women who choose to leave the hospital to smoke. Education of women and their families, awareness by all staff, and clearly defined guidelines can lead to improved safety.