title: Innovative approaches to reducing nurses' distractions during medication administration.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Contributing factors to medication errors include distractions, lack of focus, and failure to follow standard operating procedures. The nursing unit is vulnerable to a multitude of interruptions and distractions that affect the working memory and the ability to focus during critical times. Methods that prevent these environmental effects on nurses can help avert medication errors.
  
  
  METHODS
  A process improvement study examined the effects of standard protocols and visible signage within a hospital setting. The project was patterned after another study using similar techniques. Rapid Cycle Testing was used as one of the strategies for this process improvement project. Rapid Cycle Tests have become a part of the newly adopted Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control steps at this particular hospital.
  
  
  RESULTS
  As a result, a medication administration check-list improved focus and standardized practice. Visible signage also reduced nurses' distractions and improved focus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results provide evidence that protocol checklists and signage can be used as reminders to reduce distractions, and are simple, inexpensive tools for medication safety.
authors: Quality Coordinator, University Health System, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
authors: Tess M
authors: TM
authors: Pape
authors: Denise M
authors: DM
authors: Guerra
authors: Marguerite
authors: M
authors: Muzquiz
authors: John B
authors: JB
authors: Bryant
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Ingram
authors: Bonnie
authors: B
authors: Schranner
authors: Armando
authors: A
authors: Alcala
authors: Johanna
authors: J
authors: Sharp
authors: Dawn
authors: D
authors: Bishop
authors: Estella
authors: E
authors: Carreno
authors: Jesusita
authors: J
authors: Welker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000592:standards; D006184:Habits; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008123:Location Directories and Signs; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration