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