Assessing the Impact of a New Pediatric Healthcare Facility on Medication Administration

A Human Factors Approach

Abstract

OBJECTIVE 

This observational descriptive study was designed to measure the effect a new evidence-based design (EBD) hospital has on pediatric medication safety.

BACKGROUND 

Medication safety is a priority for nurse leaders. Controlling system design by increasing the understanding of the impact human factors have could improve medication delivery.

METHODS 

Medication administration data from 2 studies conducted at the same hospital, 1 at an older facility in 2015 and the other at a new EBD facility in 2019, were compared using a similar research design.

RESULTS 

Results indicate that rates of distractions per 100 drug administrations were all statistically significant, favoring the 2015 data regardless of the EBD. No statistically significant differences were observed in error rates of any type when comparing the data collected in the older facility versus the newer EBD facility.

CONCLUSION 

This study demonstrated that EBD alone does not ensure the absence of medication errors. By comparing 2 data sets, unanticipated associations were found that could impact safety. Despite the new facility's contemporary design, distractions persisted that could inform nurse leaders in developing interventions to support a safer patient care environment using a human factors approach.