NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 4 Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue
Student Name Capella University NHS-FPX 4000 Developing a Health Care Perspective Prof. Name Date Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue Medication Errors (MEs) are a common healthcare concern worldwide. They lead to adverse patient outcomes, increased medical expenses and decreased trust in the healthcare organizations. Nurses involved in MEs undergo lasting emotional and legal consequences that hinder their ability to practice. This assessment reflects on a significant incident in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where a coworker unintentionally administered an incorrect medication. This paper seeks to deepen understanding of MEs, explore effective approaches and propose ethical strategies to address this concern. Elements of Medication Errors Drug-related errors are regarded as the most serious medical mistakes and are one of the leading causes of death among patients in the United States (U.S). Nurses and nursing students are normally involved in 39.69% of errors, as presented in the Iranian study (Tabatabaee et al., 2022). According to the World Health Organization, in the U.S, annually, 1.3 million people suffer adverse drug-related injuries because of MEs; the damage it causes costs about $42 billion (Naseralallah et al., 2023). Such errors cause severe side effects for patients and the health sector. Patients experience adverse drug reactions along with longer hospitalization and a high risk of death. Moreover, these also increase the cost of treatment due to increased periods of staying in the hospital (Tabatabaee et al., 2022). They further deteriorate the relationship between the patients and health care professionals and mental and professional stress to the individuals involved (Bante et al., 2023). Poor communication channels often lead to misconceptions of inpatient treatment programs. Effective and standard procedures are essential to minimize these errors. MEs are exerting significant pressure on healthcare services and raising costs. Healthcare professionals and policymakers must focus on these factors to relieve the cost burden (Elhihi et al., 2023). MEs compromise patient safety, thus underlining the significant requirement for improving healthcare systems and procedures to prevent such an event. The selected information is pertinent as it offers a detailed insight into the extent and consequences of MEs. Evidence from trusted sources and scholarly publications enhances the reliability of the discussion. It helps healthcare experts and policymakers comprehend the significance of tackling this issue through evidence-based solutions and promotes a safety culture within healthcare settings. Analyze the Problem or Issue MEs are preventable medication mistakes during prescribing, dispensing, and administering medications that predispose patients to unsafe clinical conditions (Naseralallah et al., 2023). MEs are estimated to cost the world economy about $42 billion annually (Tsegaye et al., 2020). The case in the scenario originated from a mistake where a colleague in the ICU administered the patient the wrong dose of medication, as captured on the Medication Administration Record (MAR). The factors for MEs are numerous and complex. They occur through a combination of human factors and systemic issues. The contributing factors that increase the likelihood of MEs include communication breakdowns, workload distractions, and inexperienced staff. Human factors include interruptions and inattention, which elevate the risk of error (Tsegaye et al., 2020). Apart from this, failure to check medications before infusion, especially those with similar names or dosages, heightens the risk of MEs. Systemic factors also play an important role. Some systemic errors are associated with inadequate staff training and the absence of standardized procedures. In unclear or conflicting guidelines, the chances of MEs increase (Elhihi et al., 2023). A research report reports that drug-related errors occur in 11.3% of cases due to frequent interruptions during medication administration (Isaacs et al., 2023). In most cases, these interruptions result from patient care or other pressing issues and increased workload. The study underlines other contributing factors, such as insufficient handoff communication, system inefficiencies and gaps in the skill of nursing professionals, as demonstrated in the scenario. NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 4 Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue MEs pose substantial distress across various healthcare settings. It includes hospitals, outpatient clinics and long-term care facilities. These mistakes are mainly predominant in high-stress settings like the ICU, where the intricacy of patient conditions, the frequent administration of high-risk medications, and careful monitoring raise the probability of errors (Elhihi et al., 2023). The consequences of these drug-related events extend to multiple stakeholders. Patients are at the greatest risk. They potentially suffer harm or complications due to inappropriate medication administration. According to Tariq and Scherbak (2024), healthcare experts such as physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and others involved in medication management all contribute to the risk of these mistakes. They are also impacted by the emotional and professional toll that results in anxiety, disciplinary measures, and a loss of patient confidence. Furthermore, the healthcare system bears the economic burden of increased treatment expenses and prolonged hospitalizations (Naseralallah et al., 2023). This highlights the urgent need for systematic education, well-established systems and a supportive healthcare setting to alleviate MEs. NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 4 Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue Recent studies by Wondmieneh et al. (2020), provide data that offer insights into the influence of each factor and its overall effect. The study indicates that undertrained nurses are three times more likely to commit MEs than their well-trained counterparts. A lack of standardized protocols doubles the risk of medication mistakes. Additionally, excessive workloads, such as extended night shifts, can increase the probability of errors by fivefold. This healthcare challenge is imperative for newly graduated nurses. It underscores their essential role in patient safety. Nurses are primarily responsible for administering medications, making them vital to preventing MEs by carefully reviewing medication administration records and adhering to standardized protocols (Bante et al., 2023). Addressing this issue early in their careers is critical for building confidence. It safeguards patient safety and cultivates a culture of responsibility and excellence in nursing practice. Considering Options and Proposed Solution Several measures can contribute to reducing the risks of MEs in a healthcare organization. This involves organized staff education, advanced technology integration, strong teamwork, and effective communication. The purpose of this report is based on staff