Authors (including presenting author) :
Chau MY(1), Wong CL(1), Tsang WY(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
In recent years, the nursing profession has been challenged by high attrition rates, leading to a workforce with more inexperienced nurses. In our department, over 50% of staff have less than five years of experience, and nearly 30% have less than two years. In the fast-paced hospital environment, nurses encounter overwhelming responsibilities, increasing the risk of medication administration errors (Jin, H. et al., 2023). Such mistakes jeopardize patient safety and care quality. Therefore, implementing proactive strategies focused on early preparation and preventive measures to enhance nurses’ confidence is essential.
Objectives :
- Prevent medication errors due to a preventive reason and enhance patient safety - Update nursing staff on the latest medication protocols and guidelines to strengthen frontline staff’s confidence
Methodology :
1. Standardized Checking Rounds: Assign a designated individual to inspect all ward medications valid for at least six months with checklist support, including intravenous fluids (IVF) and dangerous drugs (DD), ensuring currency and preventing expired medications. 2. Look-Alike Sound-Alike (LASA) Signage: TALL man lettering was applied to DD names to visually differentiate similar-looking or similar-sounding medications, reducing the likelihood of mix-ups. 3. Standardization of the Medication Trolley: Standardize medication placement within trolleys to facilitate efficient dispensing and reduce the likelihood of errors. 4. Streamlining Ward Stock Items: Collaborate with pharmacists to determine necessary medication quantities and types based on ward needs. Simplify the variety of medications stored to reduce unverified prescription errors (Rayhan et al., 2024). 5. Communication and Updates: Conduct regular reviews of medication guidelines by ward team members, providing nursing staff with updated protocols. Guidelines are posted near the administration area for quick reference, with reminders sent via HA Chat and verbal communication. 6. Evaluation Method: Collect verbal feedback and conduct open-ended inquiries from frontline staff as needed.
Result & Outcome :
Result: 100% of colleagues indicated that regular checks could prevent medication errors, and 98% of colleagues stated that LASA medications signage and standardized the contents in medication trolley, and simplifying regular medications stock are effective measures. 100% Nursing staff are informed of the latest guidelines, and 98% staff know where these guidelines are located which strengthen their confidence. Outcome: Over the past two years, our ward has reported no medication errors. This success is due to proactive prevention measures and effective information dissemination. By fostering a culture of safety and continuous learning, this initiative has not only enhanced patient safety and improved nursing staff confidence. This highlights the importance of prioritizing preventive strategies and ongoing education to elevate care quality and the working environment in healthcare settings.
