Risk Evaluation and Patient Safety

The administration of medication is one nursing’s primary task. Statistics show that nurses execute over 50 mediation orders in each shift and administration of medication consumes nearly 30% of a nurse ‘time. With such a high rate of task engagement, errors in administration are a possibility (Salar et al., 2020). Despite advancements in computer charting, digital medication administration records (MAR) and bar coding, medication errors persist in all areas of healthcare. There are many common causes related to these medication errors as well as possible solutions to remedy these errors. One common error in medication is the misuse or lack of use of infusion pumps, specifically smart IV pumps.

Risk Management Elements

There are many approaches to risk management when it comes to medication administration errors. One approach for risk management is just culture. According to Dirik, 2019, “Leaders need to understand how to classify behaviors associated with errors, set realistic expectations, instill values for staff, and promote accountability within the workplace” (Dirik, et. al, 2019, p. 931). Most healthcare workers, including nurses, tend to hide their errors preferring to remain silent instead of admitting their error and sharing it openly. As respondent in a study performed by Salar, et al, claimed “I was so afraid to tell the supervisor because I did not know what they would do to me, thus, I did not tell anyone and checked the patients' health condition regularly, and that was so hard. If I had been familiar with the legal problems of medication errors, I would not have felt so guilty and worried” (Salar, et. al, 2020, para. 3.2.1.4.). Just culture is meant to allow staff to be less fearful of reprisals resulting from their error. Removing fear can allow for a true understanding of the error............ Continue