Living the 'rights of medication administration' - a study of medication administration theory and practice

Paper


Harris, Julie. 2011. "Living the 'rights of medication administration' - a study of medication administration theory and practice." 5th Annual Postgraduate Research Conference 2010: Bridging the Gap Between Ideas and Doing Research. Armidale, Australia 05 - 09 Jul 2010 Armidale, Australia.
Paper/Presentation Title

Living the 'rights of medication administration' - a study of medication administration theory and practice

Presentation TypePaper
Authors
AuthorHarris, Julie
Journal or Proceedings TitleProceedings of the 5th Annual Postgraduate Research Conference 2011
ERA Conference ID60349
Number of Pages12
Year2011
Place of PublicationArmidale, Australia
ISBN1921208244
Conference/Event5th Annual Postgraduate Research Conference 2010: Bridging the Gap Between Ideas and Doing Research
Inaugural Postgraduate Research Conference: Bridging the Gap between Ideas and Doing Research
Event Details
5th Annual Postgraduate Research Conference 2010: Bridging the Gap Between Ideas and Doing Research
Event Date
05 to end of 09 Jul 2010
Event Location
Armidale, Australia
Event Details
Inaugural Postgraduate Research Conference: Bridging the Gap between Ideas and Doing Research
Abstract

Medication errors attract significant media and research attention and most of the nursing literature focuses on the nurse's role in such errors. Nurses are the clinicians who manage the last step of medication administration and as such are involved if an error in administration of the medication occurs. While, there is some literature discussing the application of medication administration theory to practice, there is limited research highlighting the experience of nurses in the process. The literature suggests that factors affecting the nurses' practice in administering medication are mainly linked to deviating from established procedures. This paper aims to explore the current literature of nurses' experiences in applying the theoretical principles of medication administration to their practice. In-particular the application of the 'rights' as the accepted standard operating procedure of medication administration will be reviewed. The historical presentation of the 'rights' as the golden standard for medication administration are that the nurse must ensure they have the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right time and the right route. Throughout time the 'rights' have evolved and in current literature it is unclear which of the 'rights' are considered standard. There is no national or international consensus. There is no consensus across the public and private sectors of health within Australia. There is risk of confusion and a compromise to patient safety as a result. With the advent of national nurses' registration in Australia this issue is important to raise and address. A review of the literature and focussed research can provide insight into the confusion and hence provide an opportunity for improvement. This may lead to practice changes and improved patient outcomes, increased job satisfaction for the nurse, reduced liability and risk to the organisation and curriculum that more clearly reflects healthcare industry needs and guides professional practice and standards.

Keywordsdrug administration; medical errors; patient care; nursing
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020420501. Acute care
321405. Pharmaceutical sciences
321402. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Public Notes

Copyright 2011 University of New England. All material is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for educational purposes as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the publisher.

Byline AffiliationsUniversity of New England
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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