Improve Medication Administration Research Articles

The Pharmaceutical Role of Silver Nanoparticles in Treating Multidrug- Resistant Bacteria and Biofilms

Background: According to the WHO, antimicrobial resistance has recently become worrisome and constitutes an international public health crisis. The advent of multidrug-resistant bacteria has been implicated in the rise in morbidity and death caused by microbial diseases. However, the lack of new and effective antibiotics has been associated with the emergence of drug resistance. This has resulted in worldwide endeavors to advance innovative drugs with higher efficiency and more sophisticated drug delivery technologies. In addition, the utilization of nanoparticles as innovative biological substances is considered a worldwide issue of interest. Nanoparticles have the potential to become a vital and viable treatment alternative for treating drug-resistant illnesses. Nanoparticles contain metallic substances and their oxides, which have the highest possibility among all nanoparticles and have piqued the curiosity of numerous experts. Furthermore, using silver nanoparticles in photothermal treatment has attracted much interest. Purpose: This review includes knowledge about the problems of drug resistance and the mechanism of action of silver nanoparticles. Results: This review comprehensively assesses the current discoveries for using silver nanoparticles as antimicrobial medicines in infections caused by resistant microorganisms. Also being explored as nanomaterials that can react with light (photothermal treatment) to destroy bacteria and promote improved medication administration and release. Furthermore, it focuses on the synergy between nanoparticles with antimicrobial action and other nanoparticles, microbial adaptation mechanisms to nanoparticles, and existing obstacles and future possibilities that were thoroughly examined.

Effectiveness of Jigsaw Learning Strategy on Administration of Pediatric Medications among 3rd Year BSc Nursing Students Posted in Pediatric Wards at Selected Hospital, Mysuru

Background: Patient safety and quality care are issues of major concern worldwide and are significant challenges facing healthcare systems, clinical practice and Nursing education. Administering medications to children is a unique challenge requiring specialized knowledge and skills. Each child’s age, background and level of physical and psychosocial development must be considered. Children are at increased risk of medication errors. This is due to a combination of factors including the need for calculation to be performed at all stages of the process. Reducing medication errors and increasing patient safety has recently become a really critical issue in nursing. Improving medication administration skills of nursing students takes an important place in nursing education systems too. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of Jigsaw Learning strategy on knowledge regarding administration of pediatric medications among 3rd year BSc Nursing students posted in pediatric wards at selected hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka. Methodology: A pre-experimental design and evaluative approach was used in the study. The data was collected from 50 subjects through simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. Results: Findings of the study concluded that majority 31 (62%) of the subjects had moderately adequate knowledge and 19 (38%) of the subjects had inadequate knowledge regarding administration of pediatric medications in the pre-test. Where as in post-test, majority 45 (90%) of them had adequate knowledge and 5 (10%) of them had moderately adequate knowledge. Hence the study concluded that, the Jigsaw learning strategy was effective in enhancing knowledge regarding medication administration among 3rd year BSc Nursing students. Therefore, the study reinforces the need to organize health campaigns and teaching programs which sensitize the 3rd year BSc Nursing students to enhance the knowledge regarding administration of pediatric medications among 3rd year BSc Nursing students. Conclusion: Findings of the study show that there was a significant difference in pre-test and post-test level of knowledge of 3rd year BSc Nursing students posted in pediatric wards. Hence it is concluded that the Jigsaw Learning strategy is effective in improving the level of knowledge of 3rd year BSc Nursing students posted in pediatric wards. There was no significant association between level of knowledge of 3rd year BSc Nursing students posted in pediatric wards and selected demographic variables such as Age, gender, type of family, source of information and religion.

Optimizing burn wound procedural pain control, efficiency, and satisfaction through integrated nurse and physician education

Herein, we report the results of a quality improvement project (QI). Following a review of the burn unit practices, a nursing-led, physician supported educational intervention regarding optimal timing, dosage, and indication for medications used during hydrotherapy, including midazolam and opioids, was implemented. We hypothesized that such intervention would support improvement in both nurse and patient satisfaction with pain control management. Patients undergoing hydrotherapy were surveyed. Demographics, opioid dose prescribed (oral morphine equivalents), midazolam use, timing of administration, and adverse events were collected. Patient pain scores (1−10) before and after hydrotherapy and patient and nurse satisfaction scores (1−10) after hydrotherapy were collected. The pre- and post-education populations were compared. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Post-education, administration of opioids (59.1% v. 0%, p < 0.001) and midazolam (59.1% vs. 10.4%; p < 0.001) prior to hydrotherapy significantly improved, leading to fewer patients requiring rescue opioids during hydrotherapy (25% vs. 74%, p < 0.001). Hydrotherapy duration significantly decreased post-education (19 [13.3–30] min vs. 32 [18–43] min, p = 0.003). Nurses’ ratings of their patient’s pain control (9 [7.3–10] vs. 7.5 [6–9], p = 0.004) and ease of procedure (10 [9,10] vs. 9 [7.8–10], p = 0.037) significantly improved. Patients’ pain management satisfaction rating did not change, but the number of subjects rating their pain management as excellent tended to increase (36.4% vs. 20%, p = 0.077). Nursing led, physician supported, education can improve medication administration prior to and during hydrotherapy, increasing the ease of the procedure as well as staff satisfaction.

Implementing a medication lubricant for pill dysphagia on an acute care ward using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles

BackgroundPill dysphagia, the difficulty in swallowing solid oral medications, is a common problem that can affect medication adherence and increase pill modifications. Current practices of crushing medications or using food...

Reducing the receipt of contraindicated medications in patients with Parkinson disease.

The administration of antidopaminergic medications to patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) can exacerbate symptoms, and in the hospital setting, can lead to complications and increased length of stay. Despite efforts to improve medication administration through provider education and patient-centered interventions, the problem persists, with an estimated 21-43% of hospitalized PD patients receiving dopamine blocking medications. In this study, a best practice alert (BPA) was developed that was triggered when an antidopaminergic medication was ordered in the Emergency Department or hospital for a patient with a diagnosis of PD in the EMR. The primary outcomes were receipt of a contraindicated medication, length of stay (LOS) and readmission within 30 days. These outcomes were compared between the 12 months prior to the intervention and the 12 months post intervention. Data were also collected on admitting diagnosis, admitting service, neurology involvement and patient demographics. For pre-intervention inpatient encounters, 18.3% involved the use of a contraindicated medication. This was reduced to 9.4% of all inpatient encounters for PD patients in the first 3 months post-intervention and remained lower at 13.3% for the full 12 months post-intervention. The overall rate of contraindicated medication use was low for ED visits at 4.7% pre-intervention and 5.7% post-intervention. Receipt of a contraindicated medication increased the risk of a longer length of stay, both before and after the intervention, but did not significantly affect 30-day readmission rate. An EMR BPA decreased the use of contraindicated medications for PD patients in the hospital setting, especially in the first 3 months. Strategies are still needed to reduce alert fatigue in order to maintain initial improvements.

Embedding pharmacists in residential aged care: Why it's important to integrate resident‐ and system‐level services

Embedding pharmacists in residential aged care: Why it's important to integrate resident‐ and system‐level services

Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery: A Systematic Review

Transdermal delivery has the benefit of bypassing the first-pass effect and allowing for long-term drug release. The stratum corneum (SC), on the other hand, creates a barrier, which limits drug delivery. Microneedles are a painless, less invasive, and easy-to-use transdermal drug delivery system that has a high drug bioavailability. The transdermal method has been investigated for a variety of drugs because of its advantages of bypassing the first-pass effect and allowing for long-term drug release. The distribution of numerous medicinal substances across the skin has become difficult due to the skin’s strong barrier qualities, particularly the stratum corneum, only a few medications with appropriate physicochemical qualities (molecular weight 500 Da, enough lipophilicity, and low melting point) can be delivered efficiently through the skin. Hydrophilic medicines and macromolecular agents such as peptides, DNA, and small interfering RNA, on the other hand, are difficult to transport. Drug penetration into the SC can be accomplished by bypassing or reversibly disrupting the SC layer using a variety of methods. The use of micron-scale needles in improving skin permeability has recently been proposed and proved to greatly increase permeation, especially for macromolecules. Microneedles (MNs) can pass through the skin’s SC layer and into the live epidermis, avoiding nerve fibers and blood vessels, which are mostly found in the dermal layer. Hypodermic needles, topical creams, and transdermal patches are the most common methods for transdermal drug administration. Microneedles are a novel type of delivery method that helps to improve medication administration through this route while also solving the issues that come with traditional formulations. The fundamental mechanism entails disrupting the skin layer, resulting in micron-sized channels that lead the medication directly to the epidermis or upper dermis region, where it can bypass the barrier and enter the systemic circulation.

Nurses’ perceptions of medication administration safety in public hospitals in the Gauteng Province: A mixed method study

BackgroundLimited data on factors perceived to impact on medication administration errors and possible solutions to such errors in low- and middle-income settings like South Africa is available. MethodsA mixed-methods research design was used. Data were gathered from 280 medication administrators using self-report surveys, and 15 nursing unit managers using semi-structured individual interviews. ResultsCauses of medication error related to communication, human, environmental and medication factors were considered to have a moderate risk. Workload (M = 3.39; SD 0.91), stock problems (M = 3.18; SD 0.96) and illegible prescriptions (M = 3.05; SD 1.09) pose the greatest threats to medication administration safety. Most participants (n = 184; 71.1 %) agreed that medication errors never or rarely occurred in their units. The majority of respondents graded overall patient safety as excellent or very good (n = 161; 61.5 %). On safety culture, nurses felt that they are actively attempting to improve medication safety (n = 239; 90.5 %), that people support one another in the unit (n = 216; 80 %), and that their procedures and systems are good at preventing errors (n = 210; 80.2 %). Participants felt that medication administration errors were rarely reported, mostly due to fear and administrative response. Qualitative findings supported the quantitative data, adding knowledge, skill and attitude of staff as further threats to medication administration safety. Adherence to protocols, auditing, education and training, collaboration and support, communication, awareness of changes, resource management and time management were identified as possible mitigating factors. ConclusionsSolutions aimed at preventing medication errors should be based on causes identified within a specific context. In the Gauteng Province, multidisciplinary collaboration and communication; support of nurses by the hospital administration; hospital systems, procedures and initiatives; better resource management and improved pharmacological training could be seen as the foundation for improved medication administration safety.

Assessment of medication administration of nurses in medical cardiac wards and its relationship with some demographic characteristics: An observational study.

BACKGROUND:Unsafe medication administration and medication errors pose a threat to medication safety. Safe medication is one of the most important nursing practices that plays an important role in preventing medication errors. The aim of this study was to assess the medication administration of nurses in cardiac wards and its relationship with some demographic characteristics.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The present study was conducted as an observational study in 2021 with the 60 nurses who working in the medical cardiac wards of one selected hospital affiliated with the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using three-part tools (demographic information, medication checklist (55 items), and documentation checklist (8 items). The checklist was completed by the observer after observing the nurses’ medication administration. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics in the SPSS software (version 16, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS:The mean total score of the principles of injection and oral medication administration were 82.53 ± 10.75 and 75.76 ± 9.62, respectively. The mean score of the principles of injection and oral medication administration in the morning shift was significantly higher than the evening and night shifts (P < 0.001). The relationship between the mean score of the principles of injection medication (r = 0.234, P = 0.067), oral medication (r = 0.222, P = 0.083), and the nurses’ work experience no significant. The rate of adherence to the principles of medication administration in the premedication administration stage was higher than during and after drug administration.CONCLUSION:Although the mean score of medication administration of nurses in the medical cardiac wards was at the desired level, it is necessary to monitor and plan by nursing managers to improve medication administration. Reducing the number of night shifts, adhering to accreditation programs in the hospital, continuous monitoring of nurses in terms of compliance with the principles of medication are among the proposed solutions to improve the safe medication in nurses.

The influence of simulated medication administration learning on the clinical performance of nursing students: A comparative quasi-experimental study

BackgroundMedication administration is a main role of nurses, and by mastering this skill, medication errors can be reduced. Simulation provides a safe environment for learning and improving medication administration. Simulation design may influence the students' learning curve and ability to transfer skills into the clinical setting. ObjectiveTo examine the influence of simulation-based learning of the medication administration process, on satisfaction, self-perception of preparedness, and clinical performance of students who practice simulation either individually or in a group. DesignA comparative quasi-experimental study. SettingA public university in southern Israel. ParticipantsThird-year nursing students in two consecutive academic years (78 in the individual sample and 50 in the group sample). MethodsNursing students participated in a scenario-based simulation for medication administration either individually or in a group. Self-reported questionnaires evaluated participants' satisfaction with the simulation experience, and perception of preparedness before and after the simulation. Faculty members observed and evaluated participants' medication administration during the simulation and in the clinical setting. Paired t-tests were performed to compare preparedness before and after the simulation experience. Linear regression models were formulated to elicit the predictors of preparedness after simulation and evaluations for medication administration in the clinical setting. ResultsThe simulation experience increased participants' preparedness both when designed for an individual student and for a group of students. Simulation performance was the main contributor to the participant preparedness among the individual sample (β = 0.51, p < 0.01), whereas previous preparedness was the main contributor among the group sample (β = 0.42, p < 0.01). The association between simulation performance and clinical performance was mediated by preparedness after simulation in the individual sample, but not in the group sample. ConclusionsSimulation improves students' preparedness for medication administration. Individual simulation also impacts clinical performance, via preparedness. Further research is needed to identify other factors that facilitate skills transfer into the clinical setting.

Establishing an Electronic Referral System from Speech and Language Therapy to Pharmacy to Improve Medication Administration in Patients with Dysphagia in an Acute Hospital Setting

Dysphagia affects swallowing not only of food and drink, but also of orally administered medications. Altering solid or liquid dose formulations renders administration unlicensed and may have adverse effects. Medication administration in patients with dysphagia necessitates a multidisciplinary approach with no one profession holding all necessary expertise. This project aimed to improve the process of medication administration for patients with dysphagia in an acute hospital. Following a baseline audit of practice, an electronic referral system from Speech & Language Therapy (SLT) to Pharmacy was established. Repeat post-implementation audits documenting medication administration to patients with dysphagia and SLT compliance in completing electronic referral were conducted. Of the 43 patients included in the post-implementation audits, 14 (32.6%) were referred from SLT to Pharmacy using the electronic referral system. Those patients referred electronically were reviewed by Pharmacy quicker than those patients who were not referred and had a higher percentage of optimally administered medications. All SLTs eligible (n = 10) were surveyed to explore use of the system and barriers to its use; reasons given for not completing an electronic referral included not prioritizing the referral if under time pressure and lack of IT access to make the referral. Overall compliance with use of the electronic referral system was lower than expected; further work is needed to establish consistency of practice in using the electronic referral system in the interest of optimizing medication administration to patients.

Improving Safe Medication Administration in New RNs Using Simulation.

This study describes the use of simulation to increase medication administration knowledge and skill in new RNs enrolled in a residency program. The study sample consisted of 54 new RNs with less than 1 year of nursing experience who were enrolled in a nurse residency program, and it compared medication administration knowledge posttest scores between groups. The medication administration posttest scores for the simulation group were not significantly higher than the scores of the classroom-only group (p = .056), but the simulation group scored significantly higher on questions regarding timing and the rights of medication administration. Participants were also asked their perceptions of medication errors and why they think they occur. Simulation supported improved medication administration knowledge of some concepts; simulation participants were more satisfied with their learning experience; and the use of simulation helped to identify a consistent knowledge gap within the study sample. New RNs also desire earlier medication administration education in their career. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(1):30-33.].

Emergency Department Nurses Attitudes Toward Barcode Medication Administration

Abstract&#x0D; Background: Barcode medication administration (BCMA) has been widely implemented in the inpatient setting of hospitals throughout the United States, resulting in lower medication administration errors. Understanding nurses’ attitudes toward BCMA in the Emergency Department (ED) may assist administrators with creating implementation strategies that will improve medication administration process turnaround time and remove barriers to use ensuring increased compliance and improved patient safety.&#x0D; Methods: The aim of this descriptive research study was to identify Emergency Department nurses’ attitudes towards acceptance of this technology, based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Data collection was carried out using an online, cross-sectional survey of nurses (n=55) who were members of the National Emergency Nurses Association of Canada.&#x0D; Results: The results demonstrated that two-thirds of those surveyed had approximately one year of experience with using BCMA technology. More positive attitudes were found in the following domains: behavioral intent, anxiety, and self-efficacy. Neutral attitudes were perceived regarding facilitating conditions, social influence, and effort expectancy. The most negative attitudes were expressed regarding attitude toward technology and performance expectancy.&#x0D; Conclusions: The results of this study allow us to conclude that the ED nurse perceived BCMA as easy to master and use and not intimidating or anxiety producing; however, they do not perceive it as useful nor do they perceive it to improve their proficiency or productivity. It is recommended that future studies be conducted on larger samples and also on participants that have had more experience using this technology.&#x0D; Keywords: Barcode Medication Administration, Emergency Department, Medication Administration, Attitudes.&#x0D; &#x0D;

A Lean Approach to Improve Medication Administration Safety by Reducing Distractions and Interruptions.

Medication errors are potentially avoidable incidents that can lead to harm. Medications are often administered under challenging conditions, which creates opportunities for distractions and interruptions. The aim of this study was to reduce the number of interruptions and distractions experienced by nurses during the medication administration process. A Lean approach was used to value stream map the process, devise solutions, and measure the impact of the change. Sources of distraction and interruption were identified. Through collaboration the medication administration process was standardized, and a purpose-built medication administration room was developed. Frequency of interruptions and distractions from all sources was reduced. Value stream mapping the process enabled the identification of non-value-added activities that were threats to the integrity of the process. Standardizing the medication administration process and creating a safe space to facilitate the process successfully reduced interruptions and distractions from all sources.

285 Inpatient Management of Medications for Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract Background Medication errors during unplanned hospital admissions are common in Parkinson’s Disease, often involving late or missed doses. These errors can result in serious complications and loss of function in these patients. Several Parkinson’s Disease networks and associations have run campaigns aiming to improve medication administration in hospital. Methods We reviewed the medical notes and medication charts of 20 patients with Parkinson’s Disease admitted through the Emergency Department. Medication charts were reviewed to assess for levo-dopa containing medications. We assessed whether medication dosing and timing was accurately recorded, if medications were administered on time, and if self-management of medication was considered if the patient was capable during the first 48 hours of admission. We measured our findings against standards from NICE guidelines and Parkinson’s UK. Results Only 9 of 20 cases had the times and doses accurately documented on admission. An average of 2.7 doses/patient were missed or delayed in the 48 hour period. Of 152 total doses, 54 (35%) were missed or late. Only 3 out of 20 patients received all their medications on time. Only one out of 20 patients had a documented order to be allowed to self-manage their medication. Conclusion Medication errors and omissions during unplanned hospital admissions in patients with Parkinson’s Disease are unsurprisingly common. Many doctors are unaware of the need to provide alternative routes of delivering levo-dopa for patients with Parkinson’s Disease who are fasting or unable to swallow. Patients with Parkinson’s Disease are not being empowered to manage their own medication during hospital admission. Educating doctors on the importance of reducing these medication errors, and the existence of the OPTIMAL Calculator to convert the patients’ usual medications to alternative preparations, is imperative to improve inpatient management of patients with Parkinson’s Disease.

The effect of a residential care pharmacist on medication administration practices in aged care: A controlled trial.

With the ageing of the population also comes increasing comorbidities and the use of multiple medications and administration methods, along with greater susceptibility to adverse drug reactions. Dosage form modification to facilitate drug administration in older adults can be potentially problematic as altering the original licensed formulation can affect medication safety and efficacy. The reporting of adverse drug reactions and medication incidents is a key strategy in avoiding preventable adverse drug events for aged care residents. This study evaluated the effect of an on-site clinical pharmacist on reducing inappropriate dosage form modification and staff time spent on medication administration, and optimizing the documentation of drug allergies, adverse drug reactions and medication incidents. A pilot-controlled trial was performed in a purposive sample of two residential aged care homes. Both homes belonged to the same organization; the study site had 104 beds and the control site had 100 beds. All permanent residents were eligible for inclusion in the study if written consent was provided. A residential care pharmacist position was implemented at the study site for six months, with a focus on performing medication reviews and quality improvement activities. Observational audits of medication rounds were performed, and documentation relating to allergies, adverse drug reactions, and medication incidents was obtained from both sites before and after the pharmacist trial period. At the study site, there was a significant reduction over the trial in the proportion of inappropriate dosage form modification (from 24% to 0% of all dosage form modifications; P<0.01). Mean time spent on medication rounds per resident reduced from 4.8minutes per resident (SD 1.1) to 3.2minutes per resident (SD 1.7) per round (P<0.05). The incidence of previous allergy and adverse drug reaction documentation significantly improved from 77% of residents pre-study to 100% of residents post-study (P<0.01). Mean monthly medication incident reports significantly improved from 13.3 (SD 7.4) pre-study to 25.7 (SD 10.8) post-study (P<0.05). There was no change in these outcomes at the control site. Including a pharmacist in a residential aged care home can improve medication administration practices by reducing inappropriate dosage form modification and staff time spent on medication administration rounds, and increasing the documentation of resident allergies, adverse drug reactions and medication incidents. These findings warrant further exploration in a large randomized controlled trial.

Examining the Role of Precision Medicine with Oral Baclofen in Pediatric Patients with Cerebral Palsy

a)Despite its widespread use, oral baclofen requires a critical review of the pharmacology to determine potential precision medicine applications to improve medication administration. Discussing the dose→exposure→response relationship of oral baclofen allows a conceptual framework in which designing clinical trials would become more successful. This paper seeks to examine some of the areas where variability in exposures can exist lead to undesired clinical responses. b)Several factors are at play to implement precision medicine with oral baclofen in the pediatric patient with cerebral palsy. Variations in intestinal absorption, oral baclofen clearance, pharmacogenomic variants, and distribution of this medication into the cerebrospinal fluid cause differences in the amount of baclofen available at the GABA-B receptor site to cause a clinical response. c)Oral baclofen has significant variability in disposition and clinical response. Research to determine the causes for this variability and controlling for these factors would allow improvement in clinical outcomes.

Medication administration process in a residential aged care home: An observational study.

To understand the medication administration process in residential aged care homes. Understanding actual processes that nurses follow is critical to guide improvement efforts and to develop robust systems to ensure safety in medication administration. Seven nurses were observed for 12 morning medication rounds at two units of a residential aged care home in Australia. Observations were guided by an activity theoretical framework. Nurses followed a common work process to administer medication. This process included actions from preparing medication trolley, locating a resident, preparing and administering medication to this person, documenting the administration, to finally checking medication charts to ensure all residents received medication. We identified 15 process deviations that may hinder safe medication administration. Electronic medication administration records appeared to be able to prevent a deviation associated with the paper-based documentation process. This study elaborated the medication administration process in a residential aged care home and identified process deviations. It suggests a safety checklist that can be used to evaluate nursing practice and improve medication administration process. To develop robust systems for medication safety, nursing managers need to understand the actual nursing process, identify process deviations, and investigate the context in which these deviations occur.

The efficiency of STAT’s order throughout alert technology for the nurse’s mobile station in Taiwan: A trajectory study

Nursing information system combined with computerized physician order entry is a new technology on patient medication safety. With the help of clinical decision support and the alert reminder of the mobile station, the medication administration will be more precise. The purpose of this study was to predict the change of time on Stat Order before and after the implementation of the decision alert system. Design: Throughout a longitudinal study and a nested design--level 1 was the frequency of time on Stat Order (including the baseline, one up to six times); level 2 was the subject (nurses). Settings: The subjects were divided into two groups: before (paper group) and after (computer group with flash of alert to remind nurses) implementation. The data of nursing information system was used to collect the administration medication of time on Stat Order. Participants: There were 198 nurses enrolled and 2,376 time on Stat Order in this study. The study was carried out between July to October 2008. STATA 12.0 was adopted for descriptive statistics and multilevel regression analysis. The result showed that the mixed regression model of time on Stat Order on computer group was significantly reduced than on paper group (95% CI: -99.05~-61.65, p &lt; .001). Furthermore, it also showed a significantly reduced time on each visit (95% CI: -13.63~-9.89, p &lt; .00). The inter-correlation value was .66~.67. We recommended integrating this new alert technology, a high quality and timely method, with nurse’s routine work to improve medication administration on health care service.

Effect of Simulation on Nursing Students' Medication Administration Competence

BackgroundMedication errors may be prevented by improving medication administration education and nurse competence. Medication administration is a significant responsibility of nurses; yet, it remains one of the most difficult skills for nursing students to master. The purpose of this experimental two-group pre–post test study was to examine the effect of an individual simulation experience on nursing student medication administration competence. SampleEighty-five baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in their first semester of nursing courses participated in the study. MethodsNursing students were randomly assigned to an individual simulation experience or a traditional practice session. Medication administration competence was assessed using the Medication Administration Safety Assessment Tool. The NLN Jeffries Simulation Theory guided the study and simulation intervention. ResultsThe individual simulation experience improved nursing student medication administration competence. ConclusionNurse educators may consider simulation as a useful strategy in preparing nurses for safe medication administration practice.