Threading needles in the dark: the effect of the physical work environment on nursing practice.
Frequently, the most critical calculations, considerations, and preparations for patient care and medication administration are made in noisy, dimly lit, and chaotic areas of the nursing unit. Healthcare has begun to recognize the impact of the physical work environment plays in the ability of humans to perform reliably and safely. This article reviews the draft guidelines recently released by the United States Pharmacopeia for public comment for the physical environment to promote safe medication administration.
Simmons
Debora
D
Rural and Community Healthcare Institute, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. DeboraTX@aol.com
Graves
Krisanne
K
Flynn
Elizabeth A
EA
D006804:Ergonomics; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings / Q000592:standards; D008029:Lighting / Q000592:standards; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration*