Impact of implementation of a collaborative pharmacist-nurse work model on intravenous medication preparation errors: A quasi-study design
Abla Albsoul‐Younes, Lobna Gharaibeh, Amer A. Murtaja, Manar Al‐lawama, Eman Badran, Abeer S. Hassan, Hanan Sartawi, Asma’a Tanash, Muna Radi Amierh
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the effect of implementing a pharmacist-nurses collaborative model in intravenous (IV) medication preparation in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU on medication preparation errors. This was a long (2016–2022) quasi-study design. Administrators in the hospital where the study was conducted were briefed on the study's aim. The preparation process was assessed by using a standard checklist. A post intervention briefing about areas of improvement was presented to administrators with the suggested intervention. The suggested plan included the establishment of medication preparation room, hiring more staff, providing training regarding IV preparation practices, and establishment of a collaborative work model between pharmacists and nurses in the NICU. The post implementation assessment was performed using the hospital-adapted checklist. The IV preparation process of all nurses working in the NICU unit was observed. The medication preparation errors were high (71.1%). Areas of deficiency were noted, and the intervention implementation included several changes including the training of personnel (pharmacists and nurses, and collaboration in proper preparation-techniques). An IV medication preparation room was established. Post intervention immediate evaluation revealed a close-to-perfect practice. The unit was followed for the following three years after implementation. The number of trained pharmacists and nurses has also increased. Evaluation of medication preparation errors revealed a minimal error rate, and collaboration between nurses and pharmacists in preparation was optimal. The IV medication error rate can approach zero after implementation of the proper protocol and nurses-pharmacists collaboration. NICUs' medication error rate is common. Nurses-pharmacists collaboration in IV medication preparation in an NICU can reduce preparation errors. Adoption of a protocol for IV preparation can help standardize the procedure and reduce the error rate and workload of nurses. Pharmacists working with NICU nurses can reduce their duties and allow nurses to provide better patient care.