scholarly journals Medication Errors in Secondary Care Hospitals in Kuwait: The Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemah M. Alsaleh ◽  
Sara Alsaeed ◽  
Zahra K. Alsairafi ◽  
Noor B. Almandil ◽  
Abdallah Y. Naser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Errors ◽  
Secondary Care ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Adverse Drug Events ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Prescribing Error ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety Issues

Objectives: Medication errors (MEs) are the most common cause of adverse drug events (ADEs) and one of the most encountered patient safety issues in clinical settings. This study aimed to determine the types of MEs in secondary care hospitals in Kuwait and identify their causes. Also, it sought to determine the existing system of error reporting in Kuwait and identify reporting barriers from the perspectives of healthcare professionals (HCPs).Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Full-time physicians, pharmacists, and nurses (aged 21 years and older) working in secondary care governmental hospitals in Kuwait were considered eligible to participate in the study. Descriptive statistics and the Statistical Package for Social Science Software (SPSS), version 27 were used to analyze the data.Results: A total of 215 HCPs were approached and asked to take part in the study, of which 208 agreed, giving a response rate of 96.7%. Most HCPs (n = 129, 62.0%) reported that the most common type of ME is “prescribing error,” followed by “compliance error” (n = 83; 39.9%). Most HCPs thought that a high workload and lack of enough breaks (n = 128; 61.5%) were the most common causes of MEs, followed by miscommunication, either among medical staff or between staff and patients, which scored (n = 89; 42.8%) and (n = 82; 39.4%), respectively. In the past 12 months, 77.4% (n = 161) of HCPs reported that they did not fill out any ME incident reports. The lack of feedback (n = 65; 31.3%), as well as the length and complexity of the existing incident reporting forms (n = 63; 30.3%), were the major barriers against reporting any identified MEs.Conclusions: MEs are common in secondary care hospitals in Kuwait and can be found at many stages of practice. HCPs suggested many strategies to help reduce MEs, including proper communication between HCPs; double-checking every step of the process before administering medications to patients; providing training to keep HCPs up to date on any new treatment guidelines, and computerizing the health system.

Improving Medication Safety Through the Use of Metrics

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-64
Author(s):  
Robert D. Beckett ◽  
Marina Yazdi ◽  
Laura J. Hanson ◽  
Ross W. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Medication Errors ◽  
Medication Safety ◽  
Adverse Drug Events ◽  
Safety Information ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Survey Instrument ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety Metrics

Purpose: Describe medication safety metrics used at University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) institutions and recommend a meaningful way to report and communicate medication safety information across an organization. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronically distributed, open-ended survey instrument. Results: Twenty percent of the UHC institutions responded to our survey. Seventy-seven percent of those institutions responding to our survey reported their organization has defined metrics to measure medication safety; an additional 21% of the institutions were still in the process of defining metrics. Of metrics that were reported, 33% were true medication safety metrics. Results are distributed to a wide variety of institutional venues. Conclusion: Institutions should take several actions related to medication safety including defining local metrics; building metrics addressing preventable adverse drug events, medication errors, and technology; and reporting results to a variety of venues in order to design specific interventions to improve local medication use.

Usability of a tablet computer designed for older adults: a qualitative approach based on an intra-hospital living-lab for healthcare (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Sacco ◽  
Pauline Carliez ◽  
Frédéric Noublanche ◽  
Romain Simon ◽  
Anne Renaudin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Satisfaction Score ◽  
Tablet Computer ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
Perceived Usability

BACKGROUND Usability is the keystone in the evolution of tablet technology in healthcare. The Ardoiz® tablet has been designed with a simplified interface for older adults. OBJECTIVE To assess the perceived usability and satisfaction of the Ardoiz® tablet. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods with cross-sectional study using System Usability Scale (SUS), satisfaction score and workshops, including geriatric patients, healthcare professional and caregivers. RESULTS Between September 25, 2019 and March 11, 2020, 58 participants were included in a cross-sectional study (including 38 patients, mean ±SD 85±6 years, 66% women), 26 in workshops (including 5 patients, mean ±SD 86.4±2.9, 40% women). The SUS was 74±12/100, the satisfaction score was 2.8±0.9/4, with 59% of satisfied participants with the use of Ardoiz® pads. The intent to acquire remained low with 18% (n=6) of participants who would be interested in acquiring the tablet. This tablet computer seemed to be difficult to use by geriatric patients and healthcare professionals, mainly because of its complex homepage. Nevertheless, former caregivers and healthcare professionals thought that the tablet could be of great interest to hospitals for leisure and medical use. The main feedback in order to improve the tablet is to simplify the home page with fewer and more static icons (without switching). CONCLUSIONS Notwithstanding the usability of the tablet, the intent to acquire of Ardoiz® tablet remained low. The interface should be simplified for older adults in order to improve usability and adherence. CLINICALTRIAL NCT04091152

scholarly journals Assessment of Knowledge, Practice and Attitude about Biomedical Waste Management among Healthcare Professionals during COVID-19 Crises in Al-Ahsa

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 747
Author(s):  
Sahbanathul Missiriya Jalal ◽  
Fahima Akhter ◽  
Amal Ismael Abdelhafez ◽  
Ahmed Mansour Alrajeh
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Biomedical Waste ◽  
Respiratory Therapists ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Knowledge Practice

Biomedical waste (BMW) management is an essential practice of healthcare professionals (HCPs) for preventing health and also environmental hazards. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic, posing significant challenges for healthcare sectors. A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the knowledge, practice, and attitude on BMW management among HCPs when taking care of patients with COVID-19 and associated with demographic variables. From Al-Ahsa healthcare sectors, 256 HCPs were selected randomly, of which 105 (41%) had excellent knowledge, 87 (34%) had good knowledge, and 64 (25%) had poor knowledge with a mean score of 13.1 ± 3.6. A higher mean score was (14.4 ± 3.2) obtained by physicians, and (13.6 ± 3.8) nurses than the other HCPs. Regarding practice, 72 (28.1%) HCPs used and discarded PPE while handling biomedical wastes. Additionally, 88 (34.4%) followed proper hand hygiene before and after each procedure and whenever needed. Physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists had a more favorable attitude than other HCPs. There was a statistically significant association found among knowledge level and educational qualification (p < 0.0001), gender (p < 0.001), and work experience (p < 0.05). Emphasis is needed to train all HCPs regarding proper BMW management during this pandemic to prevent infection transmission.

scholarly journals Medication Errors in Adolescents Using Asthma Controller Medications

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 2333794X2098134
Author(s):  
Henry Clark ◽  
Delesha Carpenter ◽  
Kathleen Walsh ◽  
Scott A. Davis ◽  
Nacire Garcia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Record ◽  
Medication Errors ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Persistent Asthma ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Asthma Medication ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Controller Medication ◽  
Controller Medications

The purpose of this study was to describe the number and types of errors that adolescents and caregivers report making when using asthma controller medications. A total of 319 adolescents ages 11 to 17 with persistent asthma and their caregivers participated in this cross-sectional study. Adolescent and caregiver reports of asthma medication use were compared to the prescribed directions in the medical record. An error was defined as discrepancies between reported use and the prescribed directions. About 38% of adolescents reported 1 error in using asthma controller medications, 16% reported 2 errors, and 5% reported 3 or more errors. About 42% of caregivers reported 1 error in adolescents using asthma controller medications, 14% reported 2 errors, while 6% reported 3 or more errors. The type of error most frequently reported by both was not taking the medication at all. Providers should ask open-ended questions of adolescents with asthma during visits so they can detect and educate families on how to overcome errors in taking controller medication use.

scholarly journals Factors associated with emotional exhaustion in healthcare professionals involved in the COVID-19 pandemic: an application of the job demands-resources model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Barello ◽  
Rosario Caruso ◽  
Lorenzo Palamenghi ◽  
Tiziana Nania ◽  
Federica Dellafiore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Patient Engagement ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Personal Resources ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the present cross-sectional study is to investigate the role of perceived COVID-19-related organizational demands and threats in predicting emotional exhaustion, and the role of organizational support in reducing the negative influence of perceived COVID-19 work-related stressors on burnout. Moreover, the present study aims to add to the understanding of the role of personal resources in the Job Demands-Resources model (JD-R) by examining whether personal resources—such as the professionals’ orientation towards patient engagement—may also strengthen the impact of job resources and mitigate the impact of job demands. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 532 healthcare professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. It adopted the Job-Demands-Resource Model to study the determinants of professional’s burnout. An integrative model describing how increasing job demands experienced by this specific population are related to burnout and in particular to emotional exhaustion symptoms was developed. Results The results of the logistic regression models provided strong support for the proposed model, as both Job Demands and Resources are significant predictors (OR = 2.359 and 0.563 respectively, with p < 0.001). Moreover, healthcare professionals’ orientation towards patient engagement appears as a significant moderator of this relationship, as it reduces Demands’ effect (OR = 1.188) and increases Resources’ effect (OR = 0.501). Conclusions These findings integrate previous findings on the JD-R Model and suggest the relevance of personal resources and of relational factors in affecting professionals’ experience of burnout.

scholarly journals Management of oxygen saturation monitoring in preterm newborns in the NICU: the Italian picture

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serafina Perrone ◽  
◽  
Maurizio Giordano ◽  
Giuseppe De Bernardo ◽  
Paola Lugani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Standard Operating Procedures ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Survey Form ◽  
Standard Operating ◽  
Oxygen Monitoring

Abstract Background Although many studies emphasize the importance of using oxygen saturation (SpO2) targets in the NICUs, there is a wide variability in used saturation ranges among centers. Primary aim was to draw a representative picture on how the management of oxygen monitoring is performed in the Italian NICUs. Second aim was to identify healthcare-professionals related factors associated with oxygen targeting in the preterm population. Methods Cross-sectional study with data collection via an electronic survey form. A questionnaire containing pre-piloted and open questions on monitoring and management of the SpO2 was administered to neonatologists across the network of the Italian Society of Neonatology. The questions focused on: the infrastructure, specific training, healthcare professionals and patients-related factors. The results of the survey were anonymously collected, summarized and analyzed. Results Out of 378 questionnaires, 93 were correctly filled. Thirty-six different SpO2 ranges were observed. Centers using written standard operating procedures on oxygen management and SpO2 monitoring maintained a correct average range of SpO2 90–95%, avoided hyperoxia and reconsidered saturation targets in relation to comorbidities. 39.8% of responders disabled alarms during neonatal care. One center used biomarkers for complete monitoring of neonatal oxygenation status. Conclusions There is considerable variation in SpO2 targets for preterm infants in the Italian NICUs. Standard operating procedures and specific training for health care personnel are the main factors playing a role for the correct maintenance of the recommended oxygen targets in preterms.

scholarly journals Quality of Life Prior and in the Course of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study with Brazilian Dietitians

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2712
Author(s):  
Raquel Adjafre da Costa Matos ◽  
Rita de Cassia Coelho de Almeida Akutsu ◽  
Renata Puppin Zandonadi ◽  
Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Social Relationship ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chi Squared

Dietitians as healthcare professionals could decrease their quality of life during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic period; therefore, this study aimed to compare Brazilian dietitians’ perceptions of quality of life before and during the pandemic. This nationwide cross-sectional research aimed to evaluate Brazilian dietitians’ quality of life before and in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, using a previously validated self-administered instrument WHO-QOL-BREF in Brazilian-Portuguese. The questionnaire was composed of 26 items (four domains) to evaluate life quality (physical, psychological, social relationship, and environment). The questionnaire also presented some sociodemographic variables and three questions about the COVID-19 pandemic. It was applied using GoogleForms® platform (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA). For the statistical analysis of data, Paired T-test, Chi-squared test, and Analysis of Variance were used. A total of 1290 Brazilian dietitians replied to the instrument. Comparing quality of life (QoL) before SARS-COV-2 (3.83 ± 0.59) and during the pandemic (3.36 ± 0.66), data was statistically different. Comparing prior and in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, all variables and domains presented statistical differences (better before the pandemic period). Among Brazilian dietitians, the psychological health domain was the most affected. The Sars-Cov-2 pandemic negatively impacted the QoL of Brazilian dietitians since health professionals face changes in their lives because of work.

A Cross-Sectional Study: Patient Privacy According to Doctors and Nurses

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-122
Author(s):  
Nilüfer Demirsoy ◽  
Hülya Öztürk ◽  
Nurdan Ergün Acar
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Patient ◽  
Patient Privacy ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Right To Privacy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Building Trust

Confidentiality is fundamental in building trust between patients and healthcare professionals. This research aims at presenting healthcare professionals’ opinions on patient privacy, using a 5-point Likert-type scale titled “Opinion of the Healthcare Professionals on Patient Privacy,” and 262 physicians’ and 231 nurses’ opinions were evaluated. Results showed that nurses and doctors working at emergency services got higher mean scores than those working at other units. Results revealed that doctors had the highest mean score for the item “ It is important that the patient’s body is not seen by other patients and professionals during the treatment,” while nurses had the highest mean score for the item “ I approach with due care to protect privacy in the work environment.” Results of this work highlight that patient’s right to privacy constitutes one of the most significant issues to be noted by healthcare professionals.

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