Medication governance: Preventing errors and promoting patient safety

Caroline Kavanagh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This article highlights the significance of medication errors, identifying potential issues and support systems required. Medication errors involve different health professionals and present at various stages of the medication cycle. Focusing on a collaborative approach and the role of the nurse is necessary. Special groups, particularly older adults, are considered where multiple conditions and multiple medications increase the risk of adverse drug reactions. Nurses' accountability and their knowledge of medications are taken into account along with the role of nurse educators. Reporting errors is crucial; the culture of the organisation significantly contributes to whether errors are reported. Learning arises from near misses and errors, enabling preventive measures to be put in place. There is a need for a culture of safety within organisations where medication governance promotes patient safety and the provision of high-quality care.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)159-165
Number of pages7
JournalBritish Journal of Nursing
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Accountability
  • Medication errors
  • Medication governance
  • Patient safety
  • Reporting

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Medication governance: Preventing errors and promoting patient safety'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this