The medication process, workload and patient safety in inpatient units

Authors

  • Ana Maria Müller de Magalhães Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Gisela Maria Schebella Souto de Moura Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Simone Silveira Pasin Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre
  • Lia Brandt Funcke Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Bruna Machado Pardal Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Angélica Kreling Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Escola de Enfermagem

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420150000700007

Abstract

Objective To conduct a survey of critical points in the medication process, its repercussions on the demands made on the nursing team and risks related to patient safety. Method This was a qualitative descriptive study that adopted an ecological-restorative approach. The data were collected through focus groups and photographs. Participants consisted of nurses and nursing technicians. Results Three categories emerged from the thematic analysis: challenges related to the process of prescribing and dispensing medication; medication administration with relation to work shift organization; and the use of new technologies to reduce medication errors. The results indicated that the medication process plays a central role in organizing nursing care, being that these professionals represent the last barrier for detecting medication prescription and administration errors. Conclusion By identifying vulnerabilities in the medication administration phase, the use of technology can help ensure patient safety.

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Published

2015-12-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

The medication process, workload and patient safety in inpatient units . (2015). Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, 49(spe), 43-50. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420150000700007