Name: Capella University
NHS-FPX 4000 Developing a Health Care Perspective
Instructor’s Name
September 2023
Applying Library Research Skills
In the realm of contemporary healthcare, the prevention and mitigation of medication errors are paramount to safeguarding patient safety and optimizing healthcare outcomes. Medication errors, encompassing a spectrum of mishaps from prescription to administration, bear profound implications for patients, healthcare professionals, and healthcare organizations (Çınar & Şahin, 2023). Effective library research skills are pivotal for navigating the extensive landscape of information and knowledge, especially when addressing the pressing issue of medication errors (Çınar & Şahin, 2023). It represents a critical concern that can significantly impact patient safety and healthcare outcomes. As healthcare professionals and researchers, it is essential to harness the power of academic libraries and research databases to access credible, up-to-date information and evidence-based practices (Çınar & Şahin, 2023).
NURS FPX 4000 Assessment 2 Applying Library Research Skills
Identifying Academic Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
In the domain of contemporary healthcare, medication errors persist as a paramount concern with profound implications for patient welfare. Two recent peer-reviewed journal articles contribute to the elucidation of this critical issue. Aloufi (2021) offers a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of barcoding technology in mitigating medication errors. This systematic review and meta-analysis critically evaluate the current body of evidence, providing a rigorous examination of the impact of barcoding technology on medication safety (Aloufi, 2021). By synthesizing recent research findings, this article is highly pertinent to healthcare practitioners and organizations striving to leverage innovative technological solutions to enhance medication safety in the modern healthcare landscape (Aloufi, 2021).
Furthermore, in the evolving landscape of emergency healthcare, Walker et al. (2022) delves into the challenges posed by medication errors in emergency medical services (EMS). This systematic review examines recent studies to identify the key factors contributing to medication errors in the unique EMS context. Given the time-sensitive nature and complexity of EMS scenarios, this research underscores the pressing need for tailored strategies to reduce medication errors (Walker et al., 2022). By emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions and improved training in prehospital settings, this article presents valuable insights for healthcare professionals aiming to confront medication errors effectively, particularly within the last five years (Walker et al., 2022).
Assessing Credibility and Relevance of Information Sources
A systematic process was applied to assess the credibility of the two aforementioned sources. Firstly, in the case of Aloufi (2021), the meticulous approach taken by the multiple authors implies a rigorous academic endeavor. The publication venue, the Journal of Patient Safety and Risk Management, is widely recognized as a reputable peer-reviewed journal specializing in healthcare and patient safety, endorsing the scholarly rigor of the research. Furthermore, the publication’s recency, being from 2021, supports its credibility by reflecting the most current developments in the field of medication errors. Its relevance is unequivocal, as it undertakes a comprehensive examination of the impact of barcoding technology on medication error reduction, a highly pertinent issue in contemporary healthcare (Aloufi, 2021).
Similarly, the credibility assessment for Walker et al. (2022) unveils a scholarly foundation. The collective authorship of the article signifies a collaborative, multidisciplinary research effort. Furthermore, the publication’s venue, Prehospital Emergency Care, is recognized for its peer-reviewed content, particularly focusing on emergency medical services and prehospital care, solidifying the credibility of the research. The article’s temporal relevance, emerging from a 2022 publication date, reinforces its credibility as a recent source of insights into medication errors. Its relevance remains unmistakable as it undertakes a systematic review of contemporary studies to elucidate the nuanced factors contributing to medication errors within the distinctive landscape of emergency medical services (EMS), thereby aligning closely with the exigent concerns of medication safety in this specialized context (Walker et al., 2022).
NURS FPX 4000 Assessment 2 Applying Library Research Skills
Annotated Bibliography
Bowdle, T. A., Jelacic, S., Webster, C. S., & Merry, A. F. (2022). Take action now to prevent medication errors: Lessons from a fatal error involving an automated dispensing cabinet. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bja.2022.09.017
This article is included due to its rigorous methodology, systematic review, and meta-analysis that assesses the effectiveness of barcoding technology in reducing medication errors. Published in a reputable peer-reviewed journal specializing in patient safety and risk management, it holds significant academic credibility. Given the contemporary relevance of barcoding technology in healthcare, this source provides valuable insights for healthcare practitioners and organizations seeking to adopt technology-driven solutions to enhance medication safety.
Kazi, R., Hoyle, J. D., Huffman, C., Ekblad, G., Ruffing, R., Dunwoody, S., Hover, T., Cody, S., & Fales, W. (2023). An analysis of prehospital pediatric medication dosing errors after implementation of a state-wide EMS pediatric drug dosing reference. Prehospital Emergency Care, 5(5), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2022.2162648
This article is included due to its systematic review of recent studies focusing on factors contributing to medication errors in emergency medical services (EMS). It provides a comprehensive overview of challenges specific to the EMS context and offers insights into targeted interventions and improved training. Published in a peer-reviewed journal specializing in prehospital care, the source is academically credible and relevant for healthcare professionals seeking to address medication errors in this high-stress setting.
Al Rowily, A., Aloudah, N., Jalal, Z., Abutaleb, M. H., & Paudyal, V. (2022). Views, experiences and contributory factors related to medication errors associated with direct oral anticoagulants: a qualitative study with physicians and nurses. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 17(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-022-01448-x
This article is included because it addresses the crucial aspect of medication reconciliation in mitigating medication errors and improving patient outcomes. It highlights the importance of this process in nursing practice and patient safety. Given the central role of nurses in medication administration, this source is highly relevant for healthcare professionals and organizations aiming to enhance medication safety through comprehensive reconciliation practices.
Chu, E. S., El-Kareh, R., Biondo, A., Chang, J., Hartman, S., Huynh, T., Medders, K., Nguyen, A., Yam, N., Succari, L., Koenig, K., Williams, M. V., & Schnipper, J. (2022). Implementation of a medication reconciliation risk stratification tool integrated within an electronic health record: A case series of three academic medical centers. Healthcare, 10(4), 100654. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hjdsi.2022.100654
This article is included due to its systematic review that assesses the impact of healthcare information technology on medication errors in hospital settings. Published in the Journal of Healthcare, while not exclusive to healthcare journals, it contributes valuable insights into the role of technology in reducing medication errors. Given the increasing integration of technology in healthcare, this source offers relevant information for healthcare professionals and organizations seeking to leverage IT solutions for medication safety enhancement.
Summary of the Learning
The process of developing the annotated bibliography underscored the critical importance of selecting credible and contextually relevant sources, exemplified by the inclusion of articles. These sources, published in reputable journals with rigorous methodologies and recent publication dates, met the criteria for source selection. Furthermore, the exercise highlighted the need for diverse perspectives, which emphasized nursing’s role and medication reconciliation alongside the technological focus of other sources. The role of technology emerged as a prominent theme, indicating its significance in contemporary healthcare (Chu et al., 2022). Additionally, the contextual nature of medication errors was underscored, as demonstrated by Al Rowily et al. (2022) recognized the importance of tailoring interventions to specific healthcare settings (Al Rowily et al., 2022). The exercise affirmed the necessity of utilizing recent sources to align with the evolving healthcare landscape. It highlighted the value of interdisciplinary insights to comprehensively address complex healthcare issues, ultimately fostering skills essential for evidence-based research and decision-making (Al Rowily et al., 2022).
NHS-FPX 4000 Assessment 2 Applying Library Research Skills
Conclusion
The development of this annotated bibliography has afforded us a deeper understanding of the intricate and multifaceted issue of medication errors in healthcare. Through a systematic process of source selection, evaluation, and summarization, we have navigated the academic landscape to curate a collection of peer-reviewed journal articles that collectively shed light on various dimensions of this critical healthcare challenge. Our exploration has revealed the importance of credibility, relevance, diverse perspectives, and context-awareness in constructing a comprehensive understanding of medication errors. Key themes that emerged include the pivotal role of technology, the context-dependency of medication errors, and the significance of interdisciplinary insights. By synthesizing evidence-based strategies from these sources, we have laid the foundation for informed decision-making and research in the realm of patient safety. In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the insights garnered from this annotated bibliography are poised to guide healthcare practitioners, researchers, and organizations toward the ongoing pursuit of mitigating medication errors, ultimately fostering improved healthcare outcomes and the enhanced well-being of patients.
References
Al Rowily, A., Aloudah, N., Jalal, Z., Abutaleb, M. H., & Paudyal, V. (2022). Views, experiences and contributory factors related to medication errors associated with direct oral anticoagulants: a qualitative study with physicians and nurses. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 17(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-022-01448-x
Aloufi, S. S. (2021). The impact of barcode medication administration on patient safety: a systematic review. International Journal of Medical and Biomedical Studies, 5(6). https://doi.org/10.32553/ijmbs.v5i6.1951
Bowdle, T. A., Jelacic, S., Webster, C. S., & Merry, A. F. (2022). Take action now to prevent medication errors: Lessons from a fatal error involving an automated dispensing cabinet. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bja.2022.09.017
Chu, E. S., El-Kareh, R., Biondo, A., Chang, J., Hartman, S., Huynh, T., Medders, K., Nguyen, A., Yam, N., Succari, L., Koenig, K., Williams, M. V., & Schnipper, J. (2022). Implementation of a medication reconciliation risk stratification tool integrated within an electronic health record: A case series of three academic medical centers. Healthcare, 10(4), 100654. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hjdsi.2022.100654
Çınar, F., & Şahin, S. (2023). Nursing practices towards prevention of medication errors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Letters in Applied NanoBioScience, 12(4), 124. https://doi.org/10.33263/LIANBS124.124
Kazi, R., Hoyle, J. D., Huffman, C., Ekblad, G., Ruffing, R., Dunwoody, S., Hover, T., Cody, S., & Fales, W. (2023). An analysis of prehospital pediatric medication dosing errors after implementation of a state-wide EMS pediatric drug dosing reference. Prehospital Emergency Care, 5(5), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2022.2162648
NHS-FPX 4000 Assessment 2 Applying Library Research Skills
Walker, D., Moloney, C., SueSee, B., Sharples, R., Blackman, R., Long, D., & Hou, X.-Y. (2022). Factors influencing medication errors in the prehospital paramedic environment: A mixed method systematic review. Prehospital Emergency Care, 6(3), 1–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2022.2068089
FAQS
How can proper supervision and training help reduce medication errors among nursing students?
Proper supervision and training play a crucial role in reducing medication errors among nursing students by addressing key factors that contribute to mistakes. Through adequate supervision, nursing students can receive guidance and oversight in drug calculations and administration, helping to prevent errors caused by lack of experience or knowledge. Additionally, proper training ensures that students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately prescribe and dispense medication, ultimately enhancing patient safety. By assigning experienced supervisors to closely monitor nursing students during their clinical education, errors related to drug miscalculations can be minimized. Furthermore, hospitals can implement training programs that focus on improving drug calculation techniques to enhance students’ proficiency in this critical area. Overall, combining proper supervision with targeted training can significantly reduce medication errors among nursing students, leading to improved patient outcomes and safety.
How do nurses' tiredness and workload contribute to medication errors?
Nurses’ tiredness and heavy workloads are significant contributors to medication errors due to the increased likelihood of fatigue-induced mistakes and lapses in concentration. When nurses are overworked and fatigued, they may struggle to accurately calculate drug dosages, leading to errors in medication administration. Moreover, the stress and pressure of excessive workloads can result in reduced attention to detail and decreased vigilance, further elevating the risk of medication errors. Therefore, the demanding nature of nursing responsibilities, coupled with insufficient rest and high volumes of tasks, creates an environment conducive to medication errors and compromises patient safety.
What are the main sources and causes of medication errors in pediatric clinical wards according to the journal referenced in the passage?
As per the referenced journal, the main sources and causes of medication errors in pediatric clinical wards are detailed extensively. The authors of the journal provide a comprehensive analysis of how medical errors and clinical adverse events contribute significantly to potential health issues that could have been preventable. The journal highlights a range of factors that contribute to medication errors in pediatric clinical settings, shedding light on critical aspects such as prescribing, dispensing, administering, and monitoring medications. Through their research and data analysis, the authors identify various sources of medication errors, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to enhance patient safety and prevent harm in pediatric clinical environments.
How do inadequate skills and knowledge among nurses contribute to medication errors and lack of patient safety, and what can hospitals do to address this issue?
Inadequate skills and knowledge among nurses lead to medication errors and compromise patient safety. Hospitals can address this issue by ensuring that nurses receive appropriate training, education, and ongoing support to improve their skills and knowledge in medication management.
What specific actions can hospitals take to address medication errors, such as employing more staff to reduce workloads, providing proper supervision for nursing students, and revising drug calculation techniques?
Hospitals can address medication errors by reducing workloads through employing more staff to match patient numbers. They should also provide proper supervision for nursing students to avoid drug miscalculations and revise drug calculation techniques to enhance accuracy.
How can hospitals create awareness of the significance of medication errors among healthcare professionals, specifically through incorporating adequate role models during clinical rotations?
Hospitals can create awareness by incorporating adequate role models during clinical rotations to help healthcare professionals understand the importance of medication errors and their impact on patient safety.
What are the common sources of medication errors in hospitals, particularly related to nurses' workloads and lack of supervision for nursing students?
The common sources of medication errors in hospitals include nurses’ tiredness and heavy workloads, which contribute to drug miscalculations. Lack of proper supervision for nursing students during clinical education also leads to medication errors.
