Integrating a simulated electronic medical record system and barcode medication administration into a pre-licensure nursing program.

BACKGROUND: Many healthcare facilities implement technology to reduce medication errors. Nursing schools are exploring implementing similar technology to promote best practice. PURPOSE: Our institution developed a quality improvement project to evaluate the integration of similar technology into pre-licensure curriculum. METHOD: Our quality improvement project examined using a simulated electronic medical record (EMR) and a barcode medication administration (BCMA) system in pre-licensure nursing curriculum. In our initial project, 96 second-semester BSN students participated in a skill check off using the system. RESULTS: Student perception was positive, 96% of respondents stated the system increased realism, and 94% indicated improved clinical preparedness. CONCLUSION: Implementing this system was a positive experience which enriched our pre-licensure curriculum.

Medication administration errors: A concept analysis.

AIM: To provide an analysis of the concept of medication errors that occur during the nursing task of medication administration. BACKGROUND: Medication errors occurring during medication administration have an increased risk for an adverse patient outcome. Many terms are associated with medication errors, with limited clarification for a medication administration error at the point of care delivery. DATA SOURCES: Twenty-seven sources were chosen from database searches of PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Scopus. Key search terms used to narrow the search consist of the following terminology: ("bedside" OR "point-of-care" OR "nursing care*") AND "medication administration errors" AND ("acute care"). REVIEW METHODS: Rodger's evolutionary method of concept analysis was used to clarify the concept of medication administration error. RESULTS: The concept analysis identified three attributes of a medication administration error: nurse-provided care, administration, and point of care. Antecedents identified in the analysis are organizational factors and nurse factors. Consequences identified in the analysis are patient, nurse and organizational themes. CONCLUSION: The continued occurrence of medication administration errors warrants the need for an investigation into existing safety measures. Using this concept analysis may help guide the study of the healthcare environment and determine empirical measures to assess the impact that a medication administration error has.