NURS_FPX4020 Improvement Plan Tool Kit Paper

Improvement Plan Tool Kit

Medication errors have far-reaching consequences on patients’ health. As a result, health care providers must adopt evidence-based and best practice strategies to prevent and reduce medication errors. The purpose of this paper is to provide a safety improvement plan tool kit for enabling health care providers to implement and sustain safety measures. It has been categorized into four areas, with three annotated sources under each. The categories include technology and safe medication administration, safe drug storage and labeling procedures, teamwork and safety enhancement, and nurses’ knowledge and safe medication administration.

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Annotated Bibliography

Technology and Safe Medication Administration

Zheng, W. Y., Lichtner, V., Van Dort, B. A., & Baysari, M. T. (2021). The impact of introducing automated dispensing cabinets, barcode medication administration, and closed-loop electronic medication management systems on work processes and safety of controlled medications in hospitals: A systematic review. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 17(5), 832-841. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.08.001

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This article is a systematic review of the different technologies that can be adopted in health care settings to reduce medication errors. Zheng et al. (2021) reviewed the efficacy of automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs), barcode medication administration (BCMA), and closed-loop electronic medication management systems (EMMS). To reduce medication errors, ADCs are locked, and only selected drawers containing the required medication open. BCMA ensures that the right drug is administered to the right patient. EMMS support prescribing, dispensing, and facilitate tracking of single medication items. The article is a useful resource for nurses to understand the connection between health care technologies and patient safety while focusing on medication administration. Nurses can use it as a guide to adopting appropriate technologies to reduce medication errors.

Schneider, P. J. (2018). The impact of technology on safe medicines use and pharmacy practice in the US. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 1361. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01361

This article summarizes the impacts of technology on safe medication use. The main theme is that no technology works effectively alone. Various technologies should be used together to reduce medication errors and enhance patient safety. Some of the technologies proposed to be effective in medication administration include robotics to automate the preparation and distribution of medicines, readable coding, electronic health records, and clinical decision support systems. Jointly, these technologies improve the processes and safety of medicines. It is a valuable resource for increasing nurses’ knowledge on technology use and safe medication administration to enhance patient safety. Nurses can use this resource to propose strategies that their respective health care settings should adopt to improve medication administration and reduce errors.

Thompson, K. M., Swanson, K. M., Cox, D. L., Kirchner, R. B., Russell, J. J., Wermers, R. A., … & Naessens, J. M. (2018). Implementation of bar-code medication administration to reduce patient harm. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, 2(4), 342-351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2018.09.001

This article evaluates the effectiveness of bar-code medication administration in reducing patient harm. The key finding is that bar-code verification prevents human errors by automating the five rights of medication administration and alerting nurses when a violation of those rights occurs. The efficacy of bar-code verification is high since it decreased medication errors by 43.5%. It ensures that nurses do not verify medications manually, which increases patient harm since outcomes depend on nurses’ attitude, health, and workload, among other factors. The article is a valuable resource for nurses since it helps them understand how bar-code verification enhances patient safety. Nurses can use it as a reference for technology incorporation in practice to reduce medication errors.

Medication Storage and Labeling

Ruutiainen, H. K., Kallio, M. M., & Kuitunen, S. K. (2021). Identification and safe storage of look-alike, sound-alike medicines in automated dispensing cabinets. European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 28(e1), e151-e156. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ejhpharm-2020-002531

This article explores the strategies for safe storage and administration of look-alike, sound-alike (LASA) medicines. The storage of such medicines is challenging since their primary packaging, and medicine containers are alike. To prevent the risk associated with such medication, Ruutiainen et al. (2021) emphasized the importance of automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) for drug storage. ADCs are computer-controlled medicine storage and distribution systems. They prevent medication errors by controlling medication consumption and facilitating tracing through computer-controlled storage. Unauthorized access is also prevented by ensuring that outsiders do not get inside the ADC’s dispensary. The article is a useful resource for helping nurses better understand how to store high-risk medications. Nurses can use the resource for guidelines when storing drugs with similar properties to reduce the chances of confusion.

Maki, W. J. (2019). Medication management in the clinical setting. Pharmacy Purchasing & Products, 16(9), 10. https://www.pppmag.com/article/2449

This article summarizes some tips regarding safe medication storage that pharmacists and other health care providers can apply in different health care settings. One of the key emphases is storing medications according to their types and labeling them correctly. Maki (2019) gives an example of how refrigerated drugs should be stored in a separate refrigerator from food and non-drug items. Everything should also be labeled correctly, including flammables, and stored under the right temperatures. The article is a useful resource for nurses to understand that there is more to medication storage besides keeping them in their right places. Nurses can use it to get information regarding labeling and storing medications according to their properties.

Wu, P. E., & Leong, D. (2020). What should i know about medication storage and disposal?. JAMA Internal Medicine, 180(11), 1560-1560. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.3316

This article is on medication storage and disposal practices. Wu and Leong (2020) underline that proper storage and disposal of medication requires commitment, and it is an importance practice for individual, patient, and organizational safety. One of the safe storage tips that the article highlights is avoiding keeping sharp objects close to medications to avoid contamination. Wu and Leong (2020) further suggest that medications should be stored in secure locations far from unauthorized users and sensitive groups such as children. The article is a comprehensive summary of strategies to improve storage. It is a valuable resource for nurses to improve medication storage and contamination to reduce medication dispensing errors.

Nurses’ Knowledge and Safe Medication Administration

Salar, A., Kiani, F., & Rezaee, N. (2020). Preventing the medication errors in hospitals: A qualitative study. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 13, 100235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2020.100235

The article is a qualitative study summarizing effective strategies for preventing medication errors. The strategies have been grouped into two categories, and the importance of nurses’ knowledge to engage in safe practice is a central theme. Nurses’ knowledge of medication administration enables them to act professionally and present technical strategies. According to Salar et al. (2020), knowledgeable nurses are aware of medication errors’ legal problems and can adopt safety strategies readily and more conveniently. However, despite their knowledge levels, nurses need continuous training about giving medication to prevent medication errors. The article is a valuable resource on the importance of improving knowledge over time. It can help nurses to propose and support continuous training to enable them to deal with medication errors effectively.

Hawthorne-Kanife, R. (2018). Staff educational program to prevent medication errors (Doctoral dissertation). Walden University. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=7319&context=dissertations

This article evaluates the strategies necessary for empowering nurses to administer medication confidently and prevent errors. One of the central themes is that nurses’ knowledge affects their ability to administer medication and many nurses experience interruptions and disruptions during medication administration. The hesitancy to report errors also increases their risk. In response, staff education is crucial to enable nurses to be more knowledgeable about medication administration and serve patients more confidently. The article is a valuable resource for nurses to understand the importance of staff education on medication administration. Nurses can use it to recommend such programs to ensure that they are more empowered to deal with medication administration issues.

Abukhader, I., & Abukhader, K. (2020). Effect of medication safety education program on intensive care nurses’ knowledge regarding medication errors. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 8(06), 135. https://doi.org/10.4236/jbm.2020.86013

This article evaluates the importance of a medication safety education program on intensive care nurses’ knowledge regarding medication errors. Education offered through education booklets, education sessions, and other strategies was highly effective in improving nurses’ knowledge on medication errors. After the education program, the nurses’ knowledge improved from 53.8% to 96.2% regarding rights of medication administration. The article is a crucial resource for nurses to understand why continuous education on safe medication practices is essential. Nurses can use it to understand better the connection between improved knowledge and patient safety and why they should support and adopt such programs in everyday practice.

Teamwork and Patient Safety Enhancement

Rodziewicz, T. L., Houseman, B., & Hipskind, J. E. (2021). Medical error reduction and prevention. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499956/

This e-book evaluates the strategies for medication errors’ prevention and to develop a culture of safety. The central them is that medication errors can be mitigated by changing work dynamics and promoting team-based care. The role of collaboration and communication among interprofessional team members has been emphasized as a valuable intervention for enabling nurses to mitigate preventable errors and improve patient outcomes. Collaboration and communication are the foundation of shared decision-making and consultative practice. The resource is valuable for nurses to better understand the importance of working in teams. Nurses can use it to understand collaboration and communication strategies crucial in preventing medication errors.

Herzberg, S., Hansen, M., Schoonover, A., Skarica, B., McNulty, J., Harrod, T., … & Guise, J. M. (2019). Association between measured teamwork and medical errors: An observational study of prehospital care in the USA. BMJ Open, 9(10), e025314. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025314

This article examines the connection between teamwork and adverse events related to medication errors. The primary theme is that the role of teamwork cannot be underestimated in preventing medication errors. In this study, teamwork helped to reduce medication errors by 28%. Essential skills for teams to succeed include leadership, common goals, and situational awareness. The article is a valuable resource for nurses to understand why they should work in teams to reduce medication errors. Nurses can use the resource to understand the features of successful nursing teams.

Hammoudi, B. M., Ismaile, S., & Abu Yahya, O. (2018). Factors associated with medication administration errors and why nurses fail to report them. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 32(3), 1038-1046. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.12546

This article is a descriptive cross-sectional study of the factors associated with medication errors and reporting barriers. The central theme is that medication errors cannot be effectively addressed without identifying and reporting them promptly. Factors related to medication errors include communication, nurse staffing, and medication packaging. Poor communication, fear of reporting, and lack of teamwork were found to inhibit reporting. In response, all nurses should support each other understand and promote a culture of safety and improve communication. Teamwork must be improved to prevent mediation errors. The article is a valuable resource for nurses to understand the importance of teamwork in preventing medication errors. Nurses can use it to understand the dynamics of teamwork and how to work in teams to prevent medication errors.

Conclusion

The toolkit aims to empower nurses to implement and sustain medication errors prevention strategies. Most practices can be applied in all health care settings. The explored areas include technology, storage and labeling, nurses’ knowledge, and teamwork. Three resources have been reviewed under each category.

References

Maki, W. J. (2019). Medication management in the clinical setting. Pharmacy Purchasing & Products, 16(9), 10. https://www.pppmag.com/article/2449

Rodziewicz, T. L., Houseman, B., & Hipskind, J. E. (2021). Medical error reduction and prevention. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499956/

Schneider, P. J. (2018). The impact of technology on safe medicines use and pharmacy practice in the US. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 1361. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01361

Wu, P. E., & Leong, D. (2020). What should i know about medication storage and disposal?. JAMA Internal Medicine, 180(11), 1560-1560. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.3316

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Instructions
Using Google Sites, assemble an online resource tool kit containing at least 12 annotated resources that you consider critical to the success of your safety improvement initiative. These resources should enable nurses and others to implement and maintain the safety improvement you have developed.
It is recommended that you focus on the 3 or 4 most critical categories or themes with respect to your safety improvement initiative pertaining to medication administration. For example, for an initiative that concerns improving workplace safety for practitioners, you might choose broad themes such as general organizational safety and quality best practices; environmental safety and quality risks; individual strategies to improve personal and team safety; and process best practices for reporting and improving environmental safety issues.
Following the recommended scheme, you would collect 3 resources on average for each of the 4 categories focusing on safety with medication administration. Each resource listing should include the following:
â€¢ An APA-formatted citation of the resource with a working link.
â€¢ A description of the information, skills, or tools provided by the resource.
â€¢ A brief explanation of how the resource can help nurses better understand or implement the safety improvement initiative pertaining to medication administration.
â€¢ A description of how nurses can use this resource and when its use may be appropriate.
Remember that you must make your site â€˜publicâ€™ so that your faculty can access it. Check out the Google Sites resources for more information.
Here is an example entry:
â€¢ Merret, A., Thomas, P., Stephens, A., Moghabghab, R., & Gruneir, M. (2011). A collaborative approach to fall prevention. Canadian Nurse, 107(8), 24â€“29. www.canadian-nurse.com/articles/issues/2011/october-2011/a-collaborative-ap
o This article presents the Geriatric Emergency Management-Falls Intervention Team (GEM-FIT) project. It shows how a collaborative nurse lead project can be implemented and used to improve collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork, as well as improve the delivery of health care services. This resource is likely more useful to nurses as a resource for strategies and models for assembling and participating in an interdisciplinary team than for specific fall-prevention strategies. It is suggested that this resource be reviewed prior to creating an interdisciplinary team for a collaborative project in a health care setting.
Additionally, be sure that your plan addresses the following, which corresponds to the grading criteria in the scoring guide. Please study the scoring guide carefully so you understand what is needed for a distinguished score.
â€¢ Identify necessary resources to support the implementation and continued sustainability of a safety improvement initiative pertaining to medication administration.
â€¢ Analyze the usefulness of resources to the role group responsible for implementing quality and safety improvements focusing on medication administration.
â€¢ Analyze the value of resources to reduce patient safety risk related to medication administration.
â€¢ Present reasons and relevant situations for use of resource tool kit by its target audience.
â€¢ Communicate in a clear, logically structured, and professional manner that applies current APA style and formatting.
Example Assessment: You may use the following example to give you an idea of what a Proficient or higher rating on the scoring guide would look like but keep in mind that your tool kit will focus on promoting safety with medication administration. Note that you do not have to submit your bibliography in addition to the Google Site; the example bibliography is merely for your reference.
â€¢ Assessment 4 Example [PDF].
To submit your online tool kit assessment, paste the link to your Google Site in the assessment submission box.
Example Google Site: You may use the example Google Site, Resources for Safety and Improvement Measures in Geropsychiatric Care, to give you an idea of what a Proficient or higher rating on the scoring guide would look like for this assessment but keep in mind that your tool kit will focus on promoting safety with medication administration.
Note: If you experience technical or other challenges in completing this assessment, please contact your faculty member.
Additional Requirements
â€¢ APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to current APA style
â€¢ SCORING GUIDE
Use the scoring guide to understand how your assessment will be evaluated

NURS_FPX4020 Improvement Plan Tool Kit Paper