RISK FACTORS FOR THE OCCURRENCE OF ERRORS IN THE PREPARATION OF INTRAVENOUS MEDICATIONS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and analyze the risk factors for the occurrence of errors in the preparation of intravenous medications by nurses, and to propose a checklist in order to promote greater safety in the preparation. A total of 13 articles were selected from the LILACS, BDENF, SciELO and MEDLINE/PUBMED databases, published in the period 2004 – 2013. Four main categories stood out: psychological factors and work overload, errors related to the preparation environment, lack of updating in health education, and errors related to the preparation technique. It is concluded that the preparation technique was the most-mentioned risk factor in the studies, followed by the categories of lack of updating in health and education, preparation environment, and work overload associated with psychological factors. Based in the difficulties identified in the categories found, a checklist was developed related to the preparation technique, with a view to minimizing errors and ensuring quality of care and patient safety.

Keywords

• Nursing
• Medication errors
• Risk factors