Factors contributing to medication errors: a literature review.
O'SHEA, ELLEN BNS, DipN, RGN, RNT
[Review]
Journal of Clinical Nursing.
8(5):496-504, September 1999.
(Format: HTML)
Summary:
* Drug administration is an integral part of the nurse's role. Responsibility for correct administration of medication rests with the nurse, yet medication errors are a persistent problem associated with nursing practice.
* This review examines what constitutes a medication error and documents contributory factors in medication errors. These factors have been derived from reported medication errors and opinions of nurses as to factors which predispose to errors.
* A number of definitions exist as to what constitutes a medication error. The definition used should facilitate interpretation and comparison of a wide range of research reports.
* Medication errors are a multidisciplinary problem and a multidisciplinary approach is required in order to reduce the incidence of errors.
(C) 1999 Blackwell Science Ltd.