The possibility of medical error still exists, despite improvements in technology and care practices in the healthcare sector. These errors can have long-lasting, or even fatal, effects on patients. They can range from giving the wrong drug to miscommunications leading to inadequate therapy. Despite these obstacles, nurses frequently have the chance to avoid mistakes.
Procedures should be double or triple checked
To verify that each patient's order is noted and accurately typed on the doctor's order and the drug administration record (MAR) or treatment administration record, another nurse on the same shift or an incoming shift verifies all new orders. Some organizations use a chart flagging procedure to draw attention to charts that include recent orders that need to be verified.
Pay close attention to the details
Every change in a patient's condition needs to be promptly documented. Additionally, complete documentation of all interventions carried out, signs and symptoms of discomfort, and adverse occurrences are required. Keep a record of the doctor's orders and take note of the date, time, and details of any notifications. Additionally, nurses need to keep track of when they held patient education sessions and how well the information was absorbed by the participants and their families.
Clean your equipment and wash your hands.
Inside hospitals, nursing homes, and care institutions, infections can spread quickly. By practicing excellent hygiene before seeing each patient, nurses can play a significant part in preventing the spread of infections. After touching anything, wash your hands, and make sure to clean any equipment both before and after use.
Identify patients using unique IDs.
The use of at least two patient-specific identifiers, such as the patient's name and date of birth, will help to ensure that the proper patient receives the right drug. To find patients with the same or similar names, your practice should also have a "name alert" procedure. For example, a name alert sticker for the chart or a name alert in bold for an electronic health record could be used (EHR).
Seek assistance
Don't attempt or action on your own if you aren't qualified or at ease performing it, such as lifting a patient who has fallen. Always seek assistance from another nurse to avoid endangering patients. Playing the hero is never appropriate because the priority is patient care, and asking for assistance if it ensures everyone's safety is never shameful.
Check for responses and allergies.
Although it may seem obvious, this stage in the treatment procedure is frequently skipped. Before giving a patient any prescriptions, samples, or office-administered drugs, your practice should establish a policy requiring a clinical staff member to inquire about the patient's allergies and responses to pharmaceuticals, latex, and food (e.g., egg allergies for some immunizations). Add the details at the front of a paper record (for instance, with an allergy label), the top of each page of a progress report, or the EHR screen. Avoid using short names for the medications, as these can be readily misunderstood when recording allergies and other medication-related information.
Healthcare procedures and medication mistakes can be avoided or reduced by implementing one or more of the aforementioned measures. Nurses must always keep in mind that mistakes made at work might have catastrophic consequences, which is why medical safety is important.
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