Supporting nurses in the administration of medicines in paediatric wards: a descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction: Administering medication to children is a challenging process for nurses and it has been accepted as a complex issue that is affected by factors including the patient’s age and cognitive function.1 Young children have high dependency on nurses’ involvement when receiving medication during a hospital admission.2 However, the impact of these challenging administrations on nurse’s confidence has not been explored. The aim of this study is to identify behavioural factors challenging the administration of medication to children during hospital admission and to describe likely factors affecting nurse’s confidence during these administrations. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was utilised. A quantitative survey (that also allowed open comments) was design to identify factors affecting the administration of medication, the frequency of them, and the confidence on this processes as reported by nurses in 4 wards of a children’s hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Only those registered and enrolled nurses that administer medication to children in the hospital were included. Results: A total 27 nurses participated in the study. Anticipation by the patient and presence of other Healthcare Professionals in the room were seen as factors that contributed negatively to the administration, but the presence of parents and comfort provided by parents and nursed were seen as positive factors. Nurses’ confidence was high, however nurses with less than 5 years of experience were likely to demand more guidance on how to improve the administration of medication compared with their more experienced peers (p<0.05). Discussion: In order to improve adherence to treatment, it is essential to optimise the acceptability of medication by children. The findings of this study will inform the design of an evidence based guidance for nurses that aims to reduce medicine aversion in children at bedside administration.