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Medication governance: Preventing errors and promoting patient safety

  • Caroline Kavanagh

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    35 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

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