|
 |
Dr. Pape's 2002
pioneering research uses a visible symbol (vest/sash) to
decrease nurses' distractions and interruptions during
medication administration. |
|
The Medsafe Protocol consists of 5
elements: |
| 1. a quiet zone to
retrieve/prepare medications |
| 2. signage on medication
room doors and above medication dispensing machines to not
interrupt |
| 3. following the proper
protocol checklist |
| 4. staff education, and |
| 5. wearing the vest/bib/sash/visible symbol while in the process. |
|
These research
ideas have been implemented within the Kaiser hospital systems
in California and Hawaii,
and many other hospitals across the country and the world.
The
Texas
Board of Nursing has recommended reducing distractions and
interruptions using this process in one of their
recent bulletins.
The process does work and does reduce medication errors.
Nurses are happier, get their work done faster, and are more
satisfied
with having time for other activities.
View
the Innovation on the AHRQ site.
Additional research studies have
demonstrated a direct link to medication errors from distractions
and interruptions.
Kaiser Permanente
continues to see an
decrease in medication errors with vest or sash |
A new resource for the visible symbol in the form of a vest/bib that slips easily over the head
and tears away if desired. Biodegradable, lightweight, and cool. Information about the Medibib can be
found at RISKologic. |
|
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First vest used in 2001 original study
by Dr. Pape. |
|
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Houston Methodist Hospital's Vest used
based on my study. |
|
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Changi General Hospital,
Republic of Singapore use of vest based on my study. |
|
 |
A nurse from a recent Texas Study wearing the sash.
There was
a significant decrease in interruptions with the Medsafe Protocol
(p = .029). |
|
