Where errors occur in the preparation and administration of intravenous medicines: a systematic review and Bayesian analysis.

Sarah E. McDowell; Shahrul Mt-Isa; Deborah Ashby; R. E. Ferner

Review

Where errors occur in the preparation and administration of intravenous medicines: a systematic review and Bayesian analysis.

January 27, 2010

McDowell SE, Mt-Isa S, Ashby D, et al. Qual Saf Health Care. 2010;19(4):341-345.

View more articles from the same authors.

Although computerized provider order entry is being widely implemented to prevent medication errors, a significant proportion of errors are not due to incorrect prescribing, but instead occur at the drug administration stage. This study sought to estimate the error rate associated with each stage of the intravenous medication administration process and identify effective error prevention strategies. Prior research has investigated the use of smart infusion pumps, bar coding, and nursing education to prevent medication administration errors.

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