Oncology nurses' perceptions about involving patients in the prevention of chemotherapy administration errors.
OBJECTIVE
To explore oncology nurses' perceptions and experiences with patient involvement in chemotherapy error prevention.


METHODS
Qualitative descriptive study.


METHODS
In- and outpatient oncology units of a community hospital in Switzerland.


METHODS
11 actively practicing oncology nurses working in an ambulatory infusion unit or on wards.


METHODS
Oncology nurses participated in two focus groups on two occasions. Participants discussed their personal experiences with patients intervening to intercept errors, attitudes toward patient involvement in error prevention, and changes in relationships with patients. A content-analysis framework was applied to the transcripts and analytical categories were generated.


METHODS
Perceptions about patient involvement in error prevention.


RESULTS
Participants shared affirmative attitudes and overwhelmingly reported positive experiences with engaging patients in safety behaviors, although engaging patients was described as a challenge. Nurses intuitively chose among a set of strategies and patterns of language to engage patients and switch between participative and authoritative models of education. Patient involvement in error prevention was perceived to be compatible with trustful relationships. Efforts to get patients involved have the potential for frustration if preventable errors reach patients. Considerable differences exist among organizational barriers encountered by nurses.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses acknowledged the diverse needs of patients and deliberately used different strategies to involve patients in safety. Patient participation in safety is perceived as a complex learning process that requires cultural change.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses perceive patient education in safety as a core element of their professional role and are receptive to advancing their expertise in this area.
Schwappach
David L B
DL
Swiss Patient Safety Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland. schwappach@patientensicherheit.ch
Hochreutener
Marc-Anton
MA
Wernli
Martin
M
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D010358:Patient Participation
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents