ABSTRACT
Background
The incidence of medication errors is of great concern in residential aged care facilities.
However, registered nurses’ perceptions on medication errors and the strategies to
reduce medication errors have not been previously explored.
Aim
The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences of medication errors and
their suggestions to reduce these in residential aged care facilities.
Methods
An exploratory descriptive design was employed; 12 registered nurses working in residential
aged care facilities across Victoria participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews
were used for data collection, and the data were thematically analysed.
Findings
Four themes emerged from the interviews: (i) work environment, with sub themes of
inadequate staffing and unmanageable workload; (ii) external constraints, with sub
themes of involvement of a multi-disciplinary team and work interruptions; (iii) psychological
impact; and (iv) medication error prevention strategies.
Discussion
This study identified that medication errors occur because of inadequate staffing,
work interruptions, and varying factors of multi-disciplinary team involvement. Medication
errors negatively impact staff, residents, and family members causing additional stress
and frustration surrounding follow-up and management. However, practical suggestions
provided by registered nurses could be implemented in future to reduce the occurrence
of such medication errors.
Conclusion
This study described the contributing factors to medication errors; their impact on
the staff, residents, and family members; and practical strategies to reduce medication
errors, based on the experience of registered nurses in residential aged care facilities.
This study makes a novel contribution to knowledge and practice in medication management
process in RACF.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 30, 2022
Accepted:
April 23,
2022
Received in revised form:
April 11,
2022
Received:
November 21,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
