Clinical Simulation in Nursing
Volume 5, Issue 5 , Pages e181-e186, September 2009

Beyond the Five Rights: Improving Patient Safety in Pediatric Medication Administration Through Simulation

University of San Francisco, CA 94117-1080, USA

Abstract 

Background

Traditionally, clinical education has relied on random opportunity to teach preparation and administration of medications to a vulnerable population. Well-designed simulations can provide structure for learning this complex critical intervention, including safety measures beyond the “five rights.”

Method

Students were observed administering medications pre- and postintervention.

Results

Pre-intervention results revealed 4 out of 18 (22%) students provided correct medication administration; 29% safely diluted an IV medication. Postintervention, 96% (25 of 26) were successful in dilution techniques, 88% were able to provide accurate IV pump rates, and 90% accurately assessed patient medication allergies.

Conclusion

Intense training within a simulated setting can improve nursing students' ability to accurately administer medication to a complex pediatric patient.

KeyWords: pediatric simulation, pediatric medication administration training, pediatric medication error reduction strategy

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 12.00 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

 Cite this article: Pauly-O'Neill, S. (2009, SEPTEMBER). Beyond the five rights: Improving patient safety in pediatric medication administration through simulation. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, VOL(5). doi:10.1016/j.ecns.2009.05.059

PII: S1876-1399(09)00489-7

doi:10.1016/j.ecns.2009.05.059

Clinical Simulation in Nursing
Volume 5, Issue 5 , Pages e181-e186, September 2009