Evidence-Based Decision Making: Miscalculation
CMI LEVEL 5 CERTIFICATE IN MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
INFORMATION BASED DECISION MAKING
UNIT5002
DEBORAH KIRBY
FEBURARY 2013
TASK 1
This assignment aims to address the need to reduce drug errors whilst taking into account the reason why they occur within a ward setting. The overall outcome of this essay is to address key precautions nurses can take to avoid mistakes when dispensing medication utilising the implementation of Chang and Kelly problem solving model and various problem solving tools. Drug errors can include miscalculation, over- dosing and under-dosing (Preston, 2004). However, drug-related incidents are rarely a result of isolated thoughtlessness. The underpinning causes are often complex …show more content…
Pare et a (2011), suggests changes in practice are more likely to be successful if those required to change their behaviour or working practice understand why the change has been made. Problem analysis is effective when those directly involved in the situation are invited to explore the problem and suggest solutions. I choose Chang & Kelly (1995) problem solving model to help process the direction for finding a solution. However solutions have to be realistic, achievable and developed in the right order. I discussed the five points of the model with staff define, assess, plan, implement and communicate. By asking my colleagues to contribute to the problem analysis this might highlight differences in what they perceive to be problematic. Those involved in the process felt they had contributed to resolve the identified …show more content…
I also spoke with the Pharmacist who recommended regular audits of the drug charts this also provided a fresh eyes approach to the problem. Audits would ensure legible handwriting, inappropriate use of decimal points, abbreviation’s and correct times and dosages. This would ensure clearly written medicine charts for nurses to read and follow. I discussed all the above with my colleagues and further problems were identified. Staff shortages, interruption’s from telephone calls and relatives were just a few raised. I observed several drug rounds and found many interruptions were occurring. I also found the area staff dispensed medication open to
INFORMATION BASED DECISION MAKING
UNIT5002
DEBORAH KIRBY
FEBURARY 2013
TASK 1
This assignment aims to address the need to reduce drug errors whilst taking into account the reason why they occur within a ward setting. The overall outcome of this essay is to address key precautions nurses can take to avoid mistakes when dispensing medication utilising the implementation of Chang and Kelly problem solving model and various problem solving tools. Drug errors can include miscalculation, over- dosing and under-dosing (Preston, 2004). However, drug-related incidents are rarely a result of isolated thoughtlessness. The underpinning causes are often complex …show more content…
Pare et a (2011), suggests changes in practice are more likely to be successful if those required to change their behaviour or working practice understand why the change has been made. Problem analysis is effective when those directly involved in the situation are invited to explore the problem and suggest solutions. I choose Chang & Kelly (1995) problem solving model to help process the direction for finding a solution. However solutions have to be realistic, achievable and developed in the right order. I discussed the five points of the model with staff define, assess, plan, implement and communicate. By asking my colleagues to contribute to the problem analysis this might highlight differences in what they perceive to be problematic. Those involved in the process felt they had contributed to resolve the identified …show more content…
I also spoke with the Pharmacist who recommended regular audits of the drug charts this also provided a fresh eyes approach to the problem. Audits would ensure legible handwriting, inappropriate use of decimal points, abbreviation’s and correct times and dosages. This would ensure clearly written medicine charts for nurses to read and follow. I discussed all the above with my colleagues and further problems were identified. Staff shortages, interruption’s from telephone calls and relatives were just a few raised. I observed several drug rounds and found many interruptions were occurring. I also found the area staff dispensed medication open to