Letters
Errors in administration of intravenous drugs
BMJ 1995; 310 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.310.6993.1536c (Published 10 June 1995) Cite this as: BMJ 1995;310:1536
- M C B O'Hare,
- A M Bradley,
- T Gallagher,
- M D Shields
- Research pharmacist Pharmacist Royal Hospitals, Belfast BT12 6BE
- Consultant anaesthetist Consultant paediatrician Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast
EDITOR,—An audit to identify the type, rate, and potential severity of errors associated with medical and nursing staff administering intravenous drugs was carried out at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children over a four week period.
The disguised observation technique was used, whereby the observer accompanied the person involved in preparing and giving each dose.1 The errors were classified as incorrect administration rate and time (>30 minutes from the prescribed time) and as incorrect diluent or volume, …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £184 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£50 / $60/ €56 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.