title: Hospice nurses' views on single nurse administration of controlled drugs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The involvement of two nurses to dispense and administer controlled drugs is routine practice in most clinical areas despite there being no legal or evidence-based rationale. Indeed, evidence suggests this practice enhances neither safety nor care. Registered nurses at two hospices agreed to change practice to single nurse dispensing and administration of controlled drugs (SNAD). Participants' views on SNAD were evaluated before and after implementation. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of nurses who had implemented SNAD and to identify the views and concerns of those who had not yet experienced SNAD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data was obtained through semi-structured interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Qualitative thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified three key themes: practice to enhance patient benefit and care; practice to enhance nursing care and satisfaction; and practice to enhance organisational safety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings have implications for the understanding of influences on medicines safety in clinical practice and for hospice policy makers.
authors.affiliation: Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, Division of Nursing, University of Bradford, UK.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Middleton-Green
authors.affiliation: Specialist Registrar in Palliative Medicine, Sue Ryder St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger, Bedford.
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carding
authors.affiliation: Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, Cheltenham.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Perkins
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009726:Nurses; D010166:Palliative Care; D057184:Practice Patterns, Nurses'; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid
keywords: Controlled drugs l Hospice; Patient safety; Qualitative research; Single nurse drug administration