Evaluation of pharmacy-supplied half and quarter tablets at an academic medical center.

DISCLAIMER: In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. PURPOSE: Manipulation of tablet medications to produce a customized dose is common practice, and splitting tablets may reduce the acquisition cost of the medication. However, cost savings may be diminished by the cost of the increased labor and repackaging materials needed when splitting tablets. Splitting tablets may also result in safety concerns if the final products are under (eg, reduced benefit) or over (eg, toxicity) the desired dosage. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate and recommend changes for all half- and quarter-tablet medications prepared and distributed from the inpatient pharmacy at University of Utah Health (U of U Health). SUMMARY: The evaluation included all half- and quarter-tablet medications prepared by pharmacy technicians for administration to patients admitted to U of U Health hospitals. A final list of 173 half- and quarter-tablet dosages was evaluated for opportunities to decrease the total number. On the basis of the developed criteria, 93 half- and quarter-tablet dosages (54%) were recommended to be removed from routine stock in the inpatient pharmacy. Systems remain in place to create customized half and quarter tablets if required for patient care. CONCLUSION: Reducing the number of medications for which half and quarter tablets are used may allow pharmacy technicians to prioritize other patient care tasks and potentially decrease waste.

Análisis del grado de implantación de las prácticas de prevención de errores de medicación en los hospitales españoles (2022) / Analysis of the degree of implementation of medication error prevention practices in Spanish hospitals (2022)

Objetivo conocer el grado de implantación de las prácticas de prevención de errores de medicación en los hospitales españoles. Método estudio descriptivo multicéntrico del grado de implantación de las prácticas seguras recogidas en el «Cuestionario de autoevaluación de la seguridad del uso de los medicamentos en los hospitales. Versión II». Participaron aquellos hospitales españoles que cumplimentaron este cuestionario entre octubre de 2021 y septiembre de 2022. El cuestionario contiene 265 ítems de evaluación agrupados en 10 elementos clave. Se calculó la puntuación media y el porcentaje medio sobre el valor máximo posible para el cuestionario completo, los elementos clave y los ítems de evaluación. Los resultados se compararon con los del estudio realizado en 2011. Resultados participaron 131 hospitales de 15 comunidades autónomas. La puntuación media del cuestionario completo en los hospitales fue de 898,2 (57,4% del valor máximo posible). No se encontraron diferencias según la dependencia, el tamaño o la finalidad asistencial, ni en el cuestionario completo ni en los elementos clave. Presentaron los valores más bajos los elementos clave VIII, I y VI, sobre competencia y formación de los profesionales en prácticas seguras (45,1%), disponibilidad y accesibilidad de la información esencial sobre los pacientes (48%) y dispositivos para la administración de medicamentos (52,3%). Con respecto a 2011, se encontraron aumentos significativos tanto en el cuestionario completo como en los elementos clave, excepto en el V y VII, referentes a la estandarización, almacenamiento y distribución de medicamentos, y a los factores del entorno y recursos humanos. ...(AU)

Objective To assess the degree of implementation of medication error prevention practices in Spanish hospitals. Method Descriptive multicenter study of the degree of implementation of the safety practices included in the "Medication use-system safety self-assessment for hospitals. Version. II". Spanish hospitals that completed the questionnaire between October/2021 and September/2022 participated. The survey contains 265 items for evaluation grouped into 10 key elements. Mean score and mean percentages based on the maximum possible values for the overall survey, for the key elements and for each individual item of evaluation were calculated. The results were compared with those of the previous 2011 study. Results A total of 131 hospitals from 15 autonomous regions participated in the study. The mean score of the overall questionnaire in all hospitals was 898.2 (57.4% of the maximum possible score). No differences were found according to dependency, size or type of hospital, either in the overall questionnaire or in the key elements. The lowest values were found for key elements 8, 1 and 6, on competence and training of health professionals in safety practices (45.1%), availability and accessibility of essential information on patients (48%), and devices for administering drugs (52.3%). With respect to 2011, significant increases were found both in the overall questionnaire and in the key elements, except 5 and 7, referring to standardization, storage and distribution of medications, and environmental factors and human resources. Several evaluation items on the safe management of high-risk drugs, medication reconciliation, incorporation of clinical pharmacists into the healthcare teams and implementation of technologies that allow full traceability throughout the medication system, showed low percentages. Conclusions.... (AU)

[Translated article] Analysis of the degree of implementation of medication error prevention practices in Spanish hospitals (2022).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of implementation of medication error prevention practices in Spanish hospitals. METHOD: Descriptive multicenter study of the degree of implementation of the safety practices included in the "Medication use-system safety self-assessment for hospitals. Version. II". Spanish hospitals that completed the questionnaire between October, 2021 and September, 2022 participated. The survey contains 265 items for evaluation grouped into 10 key elements. Mean score and mean percentages based on the maximum possible values for the overall survey, for the key elements, and for each individual item of evaluation were calculated. The results were compared with those of the previous 2011 study. RESULTS: A total of 131 hospitals from 15 autonomous regions participated in the study. The mean score of the overall questionnaire in all hospitals was 898.2 (57.4% of the maximum possible score). No differences were found according to dependency, size, or type of hospital, either in the overall questionnaire or in the key elements. The lowest values were found for key elements VIII, I and VI, on competence and training of health professionals in safety practices (45.1%), availability and accessibility of essential information on patients (48%), and devices for administering drugs (52.3%). With respect to 2011, significant increases were found both in the overall questionnaire and in the key elements, except V and VII, referring to standardization, storage, and distribution of medications, and environmental factors and human resources. Several evaluation items on the safe management of high-risk drugs, medication reconciliation, incorporation of clinical pharmacists into the healthcare teams, and implementation of technologies that allow full traceability throughout the medication system, showed low percentages. CONCLUSIONS: There has been appreciable progress in the degree of implementation of some medication error prevention practices in Spanish hospitals, but many proven efficacy practices recommended by the World Health Organization and safety organizations are still poorly implemented. The information obtained can be useful for prioritizing the practices to be addressed and as a new baseline for monitoring progress.

Analysis of the degree of implementation of medication error prevention practices in Spanish hospitals (2022). / Análisis del grado de implantación de las prácticas de prevención de errores de medicación en los hospitales españoles (2022).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of implementation of medication error prevention practices in Spanish hospitals. METHOD: Descriptive multicenter study of the degree of implementation of the safety practices included in the "Medication use-system safety self-assessment for hospitals. Version. II". Spanish hospitals that completed the questionnaire between October/2021 and September/2022 participated. The survey contains 265 items for evaluation grouped into 10 key elements. Mean score and mean percentages based on the maximum possible values for the overall survey, for the key elements and for each individual item of evaluation were calculated. The results were compared with those of the previous 2011 study. RESULTS: A total of 131 hospitals from 15 autonomous regions participated in the study. The mean score of the overall questionnaire in all hospitals was 898.2 (57.4% of the maximum possible score). No differences were found according to dependency, size or type of hospital, either in the overall questionnaire or in the key elements. The lowest values were found for key elements 8, 1 and 6, on competence and training of health professionals in safety practices (45.1%), availability and accessibility of essential information on patients (48%), and devices for administering drugs (52.3%). With respect to 2011, significant increases were found both in the overall questionnaire and in the key elements, except 5 and 7, referring to standardization, storage and distribution of medications, and environmental factors and human resources. Several evaluation items on the safe management of high-risk drugs, medication reconciliation, incorporation of clinical pharmacists into the healthcare teams and implementation of technologies that allow full traceability throughout the medication system, showed low percentages CONCLUSIONS: There has been appreciable progress in the degree of implementation of some medication error prevention practices in Spanish hospitals, but many proven efficacy practices recommended by the World Health Organization and safety organizations are still poorly implemented. The information obtained can be useful for prioritizing the practices to be addressed and as a new baseline for monitoring progress.

Administração segura de medicamentos pelos profissionais de enfermagem no ambiente hospitalar: protocolo de scoping review / Safe administration of medications by nursing professionals in the hospital environment: scoping review protocol / La administración segura de medicamentos por los profesionales de enfermería en el ambiente hospitalario: protocolo de scoping review

OBETIVO: mapear estratégias para administração segura de medicamentos pelos profissionais de enfermagem no ambiente hospitalar. MÉTODO: scoping review conduzida de acordo com a metodologia do Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guiada pela questão de pesquisa: Quais estratégias para administração segura de medicamentos têm sido uti-lizadas pelos profissionais de enfermagem no contexto hospitalar? A busca será realizada em seis bases de dados e na literatura cinzenta, com a utilização do software Rayyanpara gerenciamento da coleta e seleção de estudos. Será realizada a avaliação do título e do resumo de todos os estudos identificados, com base nos critérios de inclusão e exclusão estabelecidos, por dois revisores de forma independente e por um terceiro revisor para resolver possíveis divergências. Os dados serão sintetizados de forma descritiva. Um resumo narrativo acompanhará os resultados tabulados e mapeados e descreverá como os resultados se relacionam com o objetivo e a questão da revisão

OBJECTIVE: mapping strategies for safe drug administration by nursing professionals in the hospital environment. METHOD: scoping review conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology guided by the research question: What strategies for safe medication administration have been used by nursing professionals in the hospital context? The search will be carried out in six databases and in the gray literature, using the Rayyan software to manage the collection and selection of studies. The title and abstract of all identified studies will be evaluated, based on the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, by two reviewers independently and a third reviewer to resolve possible discrepancies. The data will be summarized in a descriptive way. A narrative summary will accompany the tabulated and mapped results and describe how the results relate to the objective and issue of the review.

OBJETIVO: mapear estrategias para la administración segura de medicamentos por los profesionales de enfermería en el ambiente hospitalario. MÉTODO: scoping reviewrealizada según la metodología del Instituto Joanna Briggs (JBI) guiada por la pregunta de investigación: ¿Qué estrategias para la administración segura de medicamentos han sido utilizadas por los profesionales de enfermería en el contexto hospitalario? La búsqueda se realizará en seis bases de datos y en la literatura grisácea, utilizando el software Rayyan para gestionar la recolección y selección de estudios. Se realizará la evaluación del título y del resumen de todos los estudios identificados, en base a los criterios de inclusión y exclusión establecidos, por dos revisores de forma independiente y un tercer revisor para resolver posibles discrepancias. Los datos se resumirán de forma descriptiva. Un resumen narrativo acompañará los resultados tabulados y mapeados y describirá cómo los resultados se relacionan con el objetivo y el tema de la revisión.

Implementation of distributed automated medication dispensing units in a new hospital: Nursing and pharmacy experience.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the structures, processes and outcomes involved in an Automated Medication Dispensing system implementation and its impact on patient safety. BACKGROUND: Increasing digitalisation of medication prescribing, dispensing, administration and stock management has occurred over the past two decades. While automated medication dispensing units aim to provide safe, high-quality, patient-centred care, the implementation may result in unintended consequences leading to suboptimal outcomes. DESIGN: This study uses a qualitative approach guided by Donabedian's structure, process and outcome framework. METHODS: Twenty-six registered nurses and pharmacy assistant staff, from clinical areas equipped with automated medication dispensing cabinets, participated in semi-structured interviews. In-depth, thematic analysis explored the structures and processes. Together with interview data, content analysis of text data generated by internal risk management and critical incident reporting systems was undertaken to evaluate outcomes. Findings were considered in light of the Interactive Sociotechnical Analysis approach to health information technology. The COREQ checklist was used in preparation of this article. RESULTS: Pharmacy assistants reported better satisfaction with the system at implementation than nurses. Training provided for nurses and their involvement in system implementation was reported as insufficient; however, nurses' use of and satisfaction with the system improved over time. A recursive relationship between the changes imposed by the system and nurses' creative problem solving (workarounds) used to manage these changes, impacted work productivity for nurses and safety for patients. CONCLUSIONS: The individualised nature of "workarounds" employed offered both risks and opportunities which require further identification, investigation and management. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurses are the majority of the health workforce. Digitalisation of traditionally paper-based activities in health care, impacting nursing work, requires similar strategies to any practice change.

Estratégias para a redução de erros de medicação durante a hospitalização: revisão integrativa / Estrategias para la reducción de errores de medicación durante la hospitalización: revisión integradora / Strategies for reducing medication errors during hospitalization: integrative review

RESUMO Objetivo sintetizar o conhecimento relacionado às estratégias para redução de erros de medicação durante a hospitalização de pacientes adultos Método revisão integrativa da literatura realizada em outubro de 2020 por meio da busca de publicações nas bases de dados eletrônicas: Web of Science, Pubmed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde e Google Scholar Resultados amostra composta por 12 estudos, cujas estratégias para a redução de erros de medicação foram apresentadas de acordo com as categorias: envolvimento do farmacêutico clínico nas atividades clínicas, implantação de tecnologias da informação, estratégias educacionais mediadas por simulação e jogos, e redução da carga de trabalho Conclusão associado às tecnologias, o envolvimento do farmacêutico clínico com a equipe médica e de enfermagem resultará em melhorias na redução dos eventos adversos a medicamentos e na qualidade da assistência prestada ao paciente

RESUMEN Objetivo sintetizar el conocimiento relacionado a las estrategias para reducción de errores de medicación durante la hospitalización de pacientes adultos Método revisión integradora de la literatura realizada en octubre de 2020 por medio de la búsqueda de publicaciones en las bases de datos electrónicas: Web of Science, Pubmed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud y Google Scholar Resultados muestra compuesta por 12 estudios, cuyas estrategias para reducir los errores de medicación se presentaron según las categorías: implicación del farmacéutico clínico en las actividades clínicas, implementación de tecnologías de la información, estrategias educativas mediadas por simulación y juegos, y reducción de la carga de trabajo Conclusión asociada a las tecnologías, la implicación del farmacéutico clínico con el equipo médico y de enfermería se traducirá en mejoras en la reducción de los efectos adversos de los medicamentos y en la calidad de la atención al paciente

ABSTRACT Objective to synthesize the knowledge related to strategies to reduce medication errors during the hospitalization of adult patients Method integrative literature review carried out in October 2020 through the search for publications in electronic databases: Web of Science, Pubmed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Latin American and Caribbean literature in Health Sciences and Google Scholar Results sample composed of 12 studies, whose strategies for the reduction of medication errors were presented according to the categories: involvement of the clinical pharmacist in clinical activities, implementation of information technologies, educational strategies mediated by simulation and games, and workload reduction Conclusion associated with technologies, the involvement of the clinical pharmacist in the medical and nursing team will result in improvements in the reduction of adverse medication events and in the quality of care provided to the patient

The impact of automated medicine dispensing units on nursing workflow: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Automated medication dispensing cabinets are ubiquitous in hospitals in the United States and prevalent in Canada, but they are still relatively new to health services elsewhere. The automation of medication management using distributed dispensing units is aimed at improving stock management and patient safety; however, the evidence for the latter remains equivocal, and the impact on nursing workflow is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact on the nursing workflow of a distributed automated medication dispensing system. The research aimed to explore the acceptability and utility of this system in a variety of clinical settings and to investigate similarities and differences in the use of the dispensing cabinets across different clinical areas. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was employed. SETTING: The setting was a newly constructed 450-bed regional Australian tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study involved 174 registered nurses and 12 pharmacy assistant staff from general ward and specialty areas who were using the automated medication dispensing cabinets. METHODS: Methods included a hospital-wide survey of users and an observation study of nursing workflow around the automated medication cabinets in specific clinical areas. RESULTS: The majority of staff were satisfied with the system and were positive about the overall safety and security. Key concerns related to access delays, and increased time needed due to walking distance and interruptions from other staff. Staff perceived that the automated medication dispensing cabinet use slowed medication administration processes as a result of queueing, and it also had other impacts on workflow. The system was found to expedite processes around controlled/narcotic drug administration. Re-stocking requirements presented operational issues; pharmacy assistants were observed waiting for opportunities to complete re-stocking tasks in the face of competing clinical requirements. Nurses from general wards were more satisfied with the system than those from specialty areas. CONCLUSIONS: Automated medication dispensing cabinets were widely accepted by nurses in a large newly opened hospital in a variety of acute clinical areas despite disruptions to workflow. Adaptations for access were more acceptable to nurses in general wards than those in specialty areas prompting consideration of redesign to improve suitability. Tweetable abstract: Automated medication cabinets change nursing workflow because of queueing, interruptions from other staff and increased walking. Ward nurses are more accepting of such workflow disruptions than speciality area nurses #medicationsafety #nurseworkflow #nursesatisfaction (268 char).

[Closed-loop medication management: Results of a user survey]. / Elektronisch unterstützter Richt- und Abgabeprozess von Medikamenten im Universitätsspital: Ergebnisse einer Benutzerbefragung.

BACKGROUND: New technologies, such as bar-code scanning systems, have played a significant role in enhancing medication processes over recent years. Despite the documented benefits, integration, acceptance, and user opinion continue to play an important role in the successful implementation of such systems. To date no studies have been carried out in Switzerland to assess the attitude or acceptance of nurses towards electronically supported medication systems after implementation. This study was conducted in order to close this gap. METHODS: Following a four-month test phase of a closed-loop medication system on two mixed medical-surgical units in a tertiary teaching hospital, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted among the participating registered nurses (response rate: 62.5%). RESULTS: The new system was evaluated positively by the majority (70%) of users. Accordingly, the barcode-assisted medication process was proven to be especially beneficial to users during the 24-hour medication preparation process and during the preparation of infusions. However, user compliance decreased significantly during the administration of bedside medication and the preparation of additional single doses. This was mainly due to a lack of time and inadequate system performance. CONCLUSION: In the study, 75% of participants reported that they were open to or even enthusiastic about using the new technologies and were supportive of their introduction into the medication process. Overall, the majority rated the new system as beneficial to daily clinical practice, provided the technical performance was high.

Patient-centric implementation of an electronic medication management system at a tertiary hospital in Western Sydney.

BACKGROUND: Traditional implementations of electronic medication management (EMM) systems have involved two common formats - a 'big bang' approach on the day of go-live, or a phased ward-by-ward approach over months. OBJECTIVE: To describe the patient-centric roll-out, a novel implementation model in converting from paper to EMM. METHOD: This model iteratively converted a large tertiary teaching hospital to electronic from paper medication charts, commencing the roll-out in the emergency department (ED). The tenet of 'one patient, one chart' was maintained with new patients commenced on EMM, while existing inpatients were maintained on paper charts until their discharge. In the second week, all other intake points commenced patients on EMM, and in the third week, all remaining patients were manually converted to EMM. The implementation was assessed with training completion rates, staff satisfaction surveys, focus group interviews and incident logs. RESULTS: At go-live, 79% of doctors, 68% of nurses and 90% of pharmacists were trained in the EMM system. The ED converted to electronic prescribing within 24 hours; by day 20, all patients were on EMM. Two hundred and thirty issues were logged, none critical, of which 22 were escalated. Of the 51,063 medications administered, there were 13 EMM-related clinical incidents including three double dosing errors, none of which led to an adverse event or death. Overall, 77% of staff surveyed were satisfied with the EMM implementation. CONCLUSIONS: The patient-centric roll-out model represents an innovative and safe approach with a single medication chart reducing transcription and improved medication safety for the patient and the organisation.

Measuring non-administration of ordered medications in the pediatric inpatient setting.

OBJECTIVE: Medication compliance in inpatient settings shows some significant gaps for adult patients. In pediatric settings prescribing and other administration errors have been studied but missed doses have not been specifically studied in the pediatric inpatient setting. We intended to apply health information technology and data processing methods to study the medication compliance for pediatric patients at our institution. STUDY DESIGN: We collected medication ordering, dispensing, and administration data spanning 42 months (7/1/2010 through 12/31/2013) for pediatric inpatients admitted to a major tertiary pediatric hospital. We analyzed the orders for which either the corresponding administration record was missing or the records indicated non-administration. RESULTS: There were only 596 medication orders without corresponding administration records, accounting for less than 0.05% of 1.6 Million orders for 56,000 patients. There were 40,999 orders with corresponding administration records indicating non-administration (or less than 3% of all orders). Overall order compliance of the nursing staff was 97.35%, with another 2.6% of orders having a documented reason for non-administration The top two medication classes comprising the missed and non-administered orders were "Alimentary tract and metabolism drugs" and "Nervous system drugs". CONCLUSION: Measurement of medication compliance is an important quality measure of patient safety and quality of care. Our study found a small proportion of non-administered medication orders and discovered corresponding reasons illustrating how health information technology can help to measure the quality of the medication process from ordering and dispensing to administration at a major healthcare institution.

Stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of an electronic medication management system to reduce medication errors, adverse drug events and average length of stay at two paediatric hospitals: a study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Medication errors are the most frequent cause of preventable harm in hospitals. Medication management in paediatric patients is particularly complex and consequently potential for harms are greater than in adults. Electronic medication management (eMM) systems are heralded as a highly effective intervention to reduce adverse drug events (ADEs), yet internationally evidence of their effectiveness in paediatric populations is limited. This study will assess the effectiveness of an eMM system to reduce medication errors, ADEs and length of stay (LOS). The study will also investigate system impact on clinical work processes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial (SWCRCT) will measure changes pre-eMM and post-eMM system implementation in prescribing and medication administration error (MAE) rates, potential and actual ADEs, and average LOS. In stage 1, 8 wards within the first paediatric hospital will be randomised to receive the eMM system 1 week apart. In stage 2, the second paediatric hospital will randomise implementation of a modified eMM and outcomes will be assessed. Prescribing errors will be identified through record reviews, and MAEs through direct observation of nurses and record reviews. Actual and potential severity will be assigned. Outcomes will be assessed at the patient-level using mixed models, taking into account correlation of admissions within wards and multiple admissions for the same patient, with adjustment for potential confounders. Interviews and direct observation of clinicians will investigate the effects of the system on workflow. Data from site 1 will be used to develop improvements in the eMM and implemented at site 2, where the SWCRCT design will be repeated (stage 2). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The research has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and Macquarie University. Results will be reported through academic journals and seminar and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) 370325.

Preparo de medicamentos administrados via intramuscular na pediatria: atuação da equipe de enfermagem / Preparation of intramuscular drugs in pediatrics: nursing team / Preparación de medicamentos de administración intramuscular en pediatría: actuación del equipo de enfermería

Objetivou-se avaliar a atuação da equipe de Enfermagem na organização do ambiente, no preparo e na diluição de medicamentos administrados por via intramuscular na pediatria. Estudo observacional, quantitativo, desenvolvido mediante 327 observações do preparo de medicamento intramuscular, no período de dezembro de 2014 a maio de 2015, em um hospital pediátrico, Fortaleza-Ceará. Para observações utilizou-se um checklist composto pelas etapas: organização do ambiente com quatro ações; preparo e diluição de medicamentos com 12 ações. Na organização do ambiente, alcançou-se desempenho satisfatório na ação organizar a bancada, com 231 (70,6%). A etapa de preparo e diluição do medicamento obteve desempenho satisfatório em seis ações: separar bolas de algodão com álcool e seca, com 252 (77%); escolher seringa compatível com o volume a ser administrado, com 264 (80,7%); selecionar adequadamente a agulha para aspiração, com 233 (71,2%), e a agulha para administração, com 320 (97,8%); trocar agulha depois do preparo, com 266 (81,3%); e reconstituir medicação em água destilada, com 327 (100%). Com isso, identificaram-se fragilidades como observar a data de validade do medicamento e identificar a medicação preparada que interferem na segurança da administração de medicamentos na pediatria (AU).

The objective of this study was to analyze work by a nursing team regarding the environmental organization, preparation and dilution of drugs administered intramuscularly in a pediatric setting. This was an observational and quantitative study developed through 327 observations of the preparation of intramuscular medication from December 2014 to May 2015 in a pediatric hospital in Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará. Observations employed a two-stage checklist: organization of the environment with four actions; preparation and dilution of medications with 12 actions. For organization of the environment, performance regarding the action of organizing the bench with a count of 231 (70.6%) was satisfactory. The stage of medication preparation and dilution achieved satisfactory performance in six actions: separation of cotton balls soaked with alcohol from dry ones with 252 (77%); selection of syringe compatible with the volume to be administered with 264 (80.7%); proper selection of the needle for aspiration with 233 (71.2%); needle for administration with 320 (97.8%); change of needle after preparation with 266 (81.3%); reconstitution of medication in distilled water with 327 (100%). This allowed for the identification of weaknesses, such as observing the sell-by date of medications and identifying the medications prepared, actions that interfere with the safe administration of medications in pediatrics (AU).

Se objetivó evaluar la actuación del equipo de Enfermería en la organización del ámbito, la preparación y dilución de medicamentos de administración intramuscular en pediatría. Estudio observacional, desarrollado sobre 327 observaciones de preparación de medicamentos intramusculares, entre diciembre de 2014 y mayo de 2015 en un hospital pediátrico de Fortaleza-Ceará. Se utilizó en las observaciones un check-list integrado por las etapas: organización del ámbito, con cuatro acciones; preparación y dilución de medicamentos, con 12 acciones. En la organización del ámbito se alcanzó desempeño satisfactorio en acción de organización de mesada, con 231 (70,6%). La etapa de preparación y dilución del medicamento obtuvo desempeño satisfactorio en seis acciones: separar trozos de algodón con alcohol y secos, con 252 (77%); elegir jeringa compatible con volumen a administrar, con 264 (80,7%); selección adecuada de aguja para aspiración, con 320 (97,8%); cambiar aguja luego de preparación, con 266 (81,3%); y reconstitución de medicación con agua destilada, con 327 (100%). Así, fueron identificadas debilidades, como observar fecha de vencimiento del medicamento e identificar la medida preparada, que interfieren con la seguridad de administración de medicamentos en pediatría (AU).

Incidentes relacionados a medicamentos em uma instituição hospitalar: subsídios para a melhoria da gestão / Drug-related incidents in a hospital: input to improving management / Incidentes relacionados a medicamentos en una institución hospitalaria: subsidios para la mejoría de la gestión

Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e quantitativo, cujo objetivo é identificar os incidentes relacionados a medicamentos e seus fatores determinantes descritos em notificações espontâneas, em um hospital público do Estado de São Paulo. Os incidentes foram identificados a partir de 189 notificações espontâneas enviadas ao Núcleo de Segurança do Paciente, no período de junho de 2011 a junho de 2012. A taxa média de notificações por 1000 pacientes-dia ao mês foi de 1,94. Os erros de medicação foram os incidentes mais notificados. A categoria de erro, classe medicamentosa, principais falhas e causas prováveis foram apresentadas. Do total dos incidentes, 19,8% não causaram danos aos pacientes, 8,6% causaram danos (eventos adversos) e 60,4% deles foram interceptados pela enfermagem antes de atingir os pacientes (potencial evento adverso). Os resultados deste estudo fornecem subsídios aos profissionais envolvidos no sistema de medicamentos para a implantação de estratégias para a prevenção de incidentes.

This retrospective, quantitative, descriptive study to identify drug-related incidents and their determinants described in spontaneous reports at a hospital in São Paulo State. The incidents were identified from 189 spontaneous reports filed with the Patient Safety Center from June 2011 to June 2012. The average rate of notifications per 1000 patient-days per month was 1.94. Medication errors were the incidents most reported. Error category, medication type, main failures and likely causes were recorded. Of total incidents, 19.8% caused no harm to patients, 8.6% caused harm (adverse events), and 60.4% were intercepted by nurses before affecting patients (potential adverse event). The results of this study provide input for professionals involved in the medication system to implement incident prevention strategies.

Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y cuantitativo cuyo objetivo es identificar los incidentes relacionados a medicamentos y sus factores determinantes descritos en informes espontáneos en un hospital del Estado de São Paulo. Los incidentes fueron identificados sobre 189 notificaciones espontáneas enviadas al Centro para Seguridad del Paciente, entre junio de 2011 y junio de 2012. La tasa media de notificaciones por 1000 pacientes-día al mes fue de 1,94. Los errores de medicación fueron los incidentes más reportados. Se presentaron la categoría de error, la clase medicamentosa, las principales fallas y las causas probables. Del total de incidentes, el 19,8% no causó daño a los pacientes, un 8,6% causó daños (efectos adversos) y el 60,4% de errores fue interceptado por el personal de enfermería antes de afectar a los pacientes (potencial efecto adverso). Los resultados de este estudio proporcionan subsidios a los profesionales involucrados en el sistema de medicamentos para la puesta en marcha de estrategias para la prevención de incidentes.

Nursing perception of the impact of automated dispensing cabinets on patient safety and ergonomics in a teaching health care center.

PURPOSE: To evaluate how nursing staff felt about the impact of automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) on the safe delivery of health care and workplace ergonomics. To identify the main issues involved in the use of this technology and to describe the corrective measures implemented. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study with quantitative and qualitative components. A questionnaire that consisted of 33 statements about ADC was distributed from May 24 to June 3, 2011. RESULTS: A total of 172 (46%) of 375 nurses completed the questionnaire. Nursing staff considered the introduction of ADC made their work easier (level of agreement of 90%), helped to safely provide patients with care (91%), and helped to reduce medication incidents/accidents (81%). Nursing staff was particularly satisfied by the narcotic drugs management with the ADCs. Nursing staff were not satisfied with the additional delays in the preparation and administration of a medication dose and the inability to prevent a medication from being administered when stopped on the medication administration record (48%). CONCLUSION: The nursing staff members were satisfied with the use of ADC and believed it made their work easier, promoted safe patient care, and were perceived to reduce medication incidents/accidents.

Erros de medicação em hospital universitário: tipo, causas, sugestões e providências / Errors of medication in a University Hospital: type, causes, suggestions and actions / Errores de medicación en hospital universitario: tipos, causas, sugerencias y providencias

Este estudo survey exploratório analisou os erros de medicação de um hospital universitário a partir de 40 entrevistas realizadas com profissionais do sistema de medicação. Os resultados mostraram que os tipos de erros mais freqüentes estão na prescrição de medicamentos (29,04%); as falhas individuais são consideradas as principais causa daocorrência de erros (47,37%) e as principais falhas do sistema de medicação (26,98%); as alterações nas atitudes individuais são sugestões para evitar erros (28,26%); as orientações são as providências administrativas mais utilizadas (25%). Concluiuse que não há consciência sistêmica entre osprofissionais a respeito dos erros, focando a culpa no ser humano. É necessário que esta cultura seja alterada e transformada em melhorias para o sistema.

This exploratory study (survey) has analyzed the errors of medication in a university hospital on the basis of 40 interviews conducted with professionals of the medication system. The results showed that the most frequent types oferrors occur in drug prescription (29.04%); individual flaws are considered the main cause of errors (47.37%) and the main flaws in themedication system (26.98%); changes in individual attitudes are suggested as a way to avoid errors (28.26%); guidance is the most utilized administrative action (25%). Theconclusion is that there is no systemicawareness among professionals regarding errors, putting the blame on the human being. This culture must be altered and transformed into improvements for the system.

Este estudio survey exploratorio analizó los errores en la medicación de un hospital universitario a partir de 40 entrevistas realizadas a profesionales del sistema de medicación. Los resultados mostraron que los tipos de errores mÁs frecuentes están en laprescripción de medicamentos (29.04%); las fallas individuales se consideran la principal causa de que ocurran errores (47.37%) y las principales fallas del sistema de medicación (26.98%); las alteraciones en las actitudes individuales son sugerencias para evitar errores (28.26%); las orientaciones son lasprecauciones administrativas más utilizadas (25%). Se concluyó que no hay conciencia sistemática entre los profesionales al respecto de los errores, enfocando la culpa en el ser humano. Es necesario que se cambie esta cultura y se transforme en mejoras al sistema.