ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Labelling is a strategy that contributes to the correct and faster identification of drugs, minimizing misidentification. There is a gap in knowledge on optimal labelling standards for intravenous (IV) devices applied to the care of critically ill patients. AIM: The goal of this article was to map existing knowledge on the labelling of IV drug delivery devices in critically ill patients for the prevention of medication errors. STUDY DESIGN: This was a scoping review conducted according to the JBI methodology in the LILACS, MEDLINE, CINAHL, IBECS, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases, and on the websites of specialized institutions. Searches were conducted up to December 2022 for scientific articles and grey literature that addressed the labelling of IV devices in intensive care units, emergency departments, and anaesthesia units. The data were collected using a structured form and were later classified, summarized, and aggregated to map the knowledge related to the review question. RESULTS: Twenty-one documents were included, which demonstrated variability in label use with IV drug delivery devices. The following features of structure and design stood out: printed format, colour coding, letter size differentiation, and the use of sturdy material. In terms of information, the name of the drug, dose, date and time of preparation, identification of the patient, and who prepared it were found. CONCLUSIONS: The identified patterns contributed to the reduction of drug misidentification and the development of timelier drug labelling and administration. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The evidence supports the development of standardized labels for the prevention of medication errors.
Subject(s)
Critical Illness , Intensive Care Units , HumansABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: to synthesize the evidence on intravenous device labeling used to identify medications administered to patients in Intensive Care Units, with a view to preventing medication errors. METHODS: an integrative review, in the LILACS, IBECS, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases, from November to December 2021, using descriptors and selection criteria. Data were collected in 11 articles and subsequently classified, summarized and aggregated. RESULTS: pre-designed labels, with pre-defined colors and information, help to prevent medication identification errors. There is still a lack of standardization in the practice of labeling syringes, intravenous lines, infusion pumps and saline solution bags. There are errors related to the lack of labeling devices or to their performance with incomplete information. CONCLUSIONS: device labeling is a barrier to defending the medication system safety and should be standardized.
Subject(s)
Infusion Pumps , Saline Solution , Humans , Intensive Care Units , Medication Errors/prevention & control , SyringesABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Objectives: to synthesize the evidence on intravenous device labeling used to identify medications administered to patients in Intensive Care Units, with a view to preventing medication errors. Methods: an integrative review, in the LILACS, IBECS, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases, from November to December 2021, using descriptors and selection criteria. Data were collected in 11 articles and subsequently classified, summarized and aggregated. Results: pre-designed labels, with pre-defined colors and information, help to prevent medication identification errors. There is still a lack of standardization in the practice of labeling syringes, intravenous lines, infusion pumps and saline solution bags. There are errors related to the lack of labeling devices or to their performance with incomplete information. Conclusions: device labeling is a barrier to defending the medication system safety and should be standardized.
RESUMEN Objetivos: sintetizar las evidencias sobre el etiquetado de dispositivos intravenosos utilizados para identificar medicamentos administrados a pacientes en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos, con el objetivo de prevenir errores de medicación. Métodos: revisión integradora, en las bases de datos LILACS, IBECS, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science y CINAHL, de noviembre a diciembre de 2021, utilizando descriptores y criterios de selección. Los datos fueron recolectados en 11 artículos y posteriormente clasificados, resumidos y agregados. Resultados: etiquetas prediseñadas, con colores e información predefinidos, ayudan a prevenir errores de identificación de medicamentos. Todavía hay una falta de estandarización en la práctica de etiquetado de jeringas, líneas intravenosas, bombas de infusión y bolsas de suero. Hay errores relacionados con la falta de etiquetado de los dispositivos o con su realización con información incompleta. Conclusiones: el etiquetado de los dispositivos es una barrera para defender la seguridad del sistema de medicamentos y debe ser estandarizado.
RESUMO Objetivos: sintetizar as evidências sobre a rotulagem de dispositivos intravenosos utilizada para a identificação de medicamentos administrados nos pacientes em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva, com vistas à prevenção dos erros de medicação. Métodos: revisão integrativa, nas bases de dados LILACS, IBECS, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science e CINAHL, no período de novembro-dezembro de 2021, com uso de descritores e emprego de critérios de seleção. Os dados foram coletados em 11 artigos e, posteriormente, classificados, sumarizados e agregados. Resultados: rótulos pré-desenhados, com cores e informações pré-definidas contribuem para prevenir os erros de identificação dos medicamentos. Persiste a falta de padronização da prática de rotulagem em seringas, linhas intravenosas, bomba infusoras e bolsas de soro. Há erros relacionados à ausência de rotulagem dos dispositivos ou à sua realização com informações incompletas. Conclusões: a rotulagem dos dispositivos é uma barreira para a defesa da segurança do sistema de medicação, devendo ser padronizada.
