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An exploration of pediatric nurses' compliance with a medication checking and administration protocol
Author(s) -
Gill Fenella,
Corkish Victoria,
Robertson Jeanette,
Samson Janet,
Simmons Brenda,
Stewart Dianne
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal for specialists in pediatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1744-6155
pISSN - 1539-0136
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6155.2012.00331.x
Subject(s) - protocol (science) , workload , compliance (psychology) , medicine , drug administration , administration (probate law) , nursing , psychology , alternative medicine , pharmacology , computer science , social psychology , pathology , political science , law , operating system
Purpose. This study examined nurses' reported compliance with the medication administration protocol and explored reasons for noncompliance. Design and Method. A mixed‐methods design incorporated a questionnaire ( n = 72) and focus groups ( n = 24). Results. Differences were found between the level of experience and protocol compliance. Noncompliance was widespread in the checking of identification bands and double‐checking medications. Key factors influencing compliance were ward culture, type of drug, familiarity with patient and drug, and workload. The reported realities of practice were found to influence compliance with the medication administration protocol. Practice Implications. The discrepancies between protocol and practice in this setting underscore the need to more widely investigate compliance with medication administration protocols in other settings.