Date of Award
Summer 8-2015
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Committee Chair
Kathleen Masters
Committee Chair Department
Nursing
Committee Member 2
Mary J. Butts
Committee Member 2 Department
Nursing
Committee Member 3
Cathy Hughes
Committee Member 3 Department
Nursing
Abstract
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) estimates 1.5 million medical errors occur per year (2007). Medication errors are the leading medical error. Medication errors are defined as adverse drug events, and are 100% preventable. Some categories of adverse drug events include, medications administered at the wrong time, by the wrong route, using the wrong method of administration, and administration of the wrong dose of medication. Adverse drug events also include administration of an overdose of medication or the omission of medications as well as administering the wrong medication.
The purpose of this capstone project was to increase the competency of nurses who administer medications that will ultimately result in improved patient outcomes. A pre-test was administered to determine the competency of each participating nurse. Evidence-based information related to medication administration was presented to the participants followed by completion of a simulated medication administration scenario. The Creighton Competency Evaluation Instrument was used to evaluate each nurse competency in administering medications. Two weeks later, a post-test was administered to determine retention of knowledge.
Significant differences were observed between the pre-test and the post-test. Thenurses who participated in the didactic session followed by a hands on simulation of medication administration demonstrated an increase in competency related to medication administration. This capstone project provides evidence that information in conjunction with simulation does improve the competency of nurses related to medication administration.
Recommended Citation
Walters, Queen Victoria, "Simulation And Educational Strategies To Decrease The Incidence Of Medication Errors In A Small Rural Acute Care Hospital" (2015). Doctoral Projects. 6.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dnp_capstone/6