A Complex Intervention to Minimize Medication Error by Nurses in Intensive Care: A Case Study

Coelho, Fábio; Furtado, Luís; Tavares, Márcio; Pereira, Joana Sousa

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/13943

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Abstract(s)

Background/Objectives: Medication errors are the most frequent and critical issues in healthcare settings, often leading to worsened clinical outcomes, increased treatment costs, extended hospital stays, and heightened mortality and morbidity rates. These errors are particularly prevalent in intensive care units (ICUs), where the complexity and critical nature of the care elevate the risks. Nurses play a pivotal role in preventing medication errors and require strategies and methods to enhance patient safety. This study aims to develop a comprehensive and evidence-based intervention to minimize medication errors by nurses in ICUs. Methods: This qualitative case study forms a part of a broader research project that commenced with a scoping review. Building on the review findings, a complex intervention was designed to address nurses’ medication errors. A focus group of experts was conducted to validate the intervention designed, evaluating its contextual feasibility and relevance. Results: This study led to the development of a complex intervention whose relevance lies in its potential implementation within the studied context. The resulting intervention was structured around four main components—educational interventions, verification and safety methods, organizational and functional modifications, and an error reporting system—meticulously designed to leverage the ICU’s existing resources. Conclusions: In conclusion, the proposed intervention has the potential to positively impact healthcare quality by reducing errors and promoting a culture of safety. Furthermore, this study’s findings provide a relevant foundation for future research and practical applications, driving advancements in healthcare service excellence.

Description

(This article belongs to the Section Nursing)
Article number - 66

Keywords

Nurses Medication errors Intensive care units Case study Focal group

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/13943

Citation

Coelho, F.; Furtado, L.; Tavares, M.; Sousa, J.P. A Complex Intervention to Minimize Medication Error by Nurses in Intensive Care: A Case Study. Healthcare 2025, 13, 66. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13010066