The 6 rights of drug administration did not prevent the cause of dealth. The problem lies with the incorrect labeling of medication. The key is to trace what happened, review for any outlying causes or "what happened" and correct that as soon as possible. While the nurse I am sure will have to live with that the rest of her life, and that's not easy, I feel that she has comfort in knowing she did not cause this. Many hospitals are using the computerized medical dispenser where you scan the patients ID braclet then you scan the drug that is being administered which is on a time schedule also. The thinking is this will correct and help make sure the 6 rights of drug administration are followed, while this looks good for JACHO, the bottom line is the information is still being keyed in by a human and we all make mistakes. I am not so sure the technology we have today in practice is as good as the old fashion, "know your patient and the medications being administered".
suzzan | 03.05.08 - 9:08 pm | #