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- Title
DERS - What is it Good For?
- Authors
Boshart, Terry; Rottar, Christine; Grin, Sarah; Bunston, Grant
- Abstract
Problem: At St. Mary’s General Hospital (SMGH) our previous drug library did not force safe intravenous (IV) medication administration, see near misses, or standardize practice. Purpose: We implemented the drug error reduction software (DERS) to improve medication safety at the point of care and reduce drug errors. Using patient safety principles of forcing functions, automation, standardization, and reminders we have changed and sustained safe IV medication administration. Approach: We involved all stakeholders including RRT, RN, vascular access, pharmacy, professional practice, biomedical services, IT, physicians, industry, and purchasing to roll out DERS. We went through an exhaustive vetting process of each and every medication with pharmacy and front-line staff. The DERS has given us new capabilities to enforce safeguards we did not have before. We also made extensive changes to our electronic health record to encourage accurate documentation. Ninety-eight percent of our nursing staff were trained with a focus on functions of pump and DERS. Results: SMGH is the first hospital in Canada to Go-Live with Wireless Sigma Spectrum V8 Infusion devices. In our first five hours we saw an astounding 100% compliance with DERS. After roll out, we asked for staff feedback and monitored DERS compliance and usage outside the software. By continuing to consult and involve front-line staff we have been able to achieve a sustained DERS compliance rate of over 98%. We now prevent errors with high-risk medications that would have caused significant patient harm. The DERS prevents keystroke errors, excessive bolus doses, and incorrect IV medication administration. DERS has allowed us to reach new heights in IV infusion safety. We have data to track, review and implement change in a timely and efficient way. Pharmacy, professional practice, front-line staff, and biomedical services continue to work together to make improvements to sustain safe medication practices.
- Subjects
MEDICATION error prevention; LEGAL compliance; COMPUTER software; INFUSION therapy equipment; INTRAVENOUS therapy; NURSES; PHARMACISTS; PROFESSIONS; EVALUATION research; ELECTRONIC health records
- Publication
Vascular Access, 2016, Vol 10, Issue 2, p8
- ISSN
1913-6692
- Publication type
Article