The effectiveness of drug round tabards in reducing incidence of medication errors

Medication errors can be caused by interruptions during drug rounds. This study reports on the impact of drug round tabards on such interruptions

Scott, Jude BSc, RGN
Williams, David PhD, MB, BAO, BCh, FRCPE
Ingram, Jennifer Grad Dip Phys, BSc
Mackenzie, Fiona MA, PGCE, BSc, RGN, OND

Jude Scott, BSc, RGN, is clinical effectiveness facilitator;
David Williams, PhD, MB, BAO, BCh, FRCPE, was clinical lead for patient safety at the time of audit;
Jennifer Ingram, Grad Dip Phys, BSc, is risk management adviser - patient safety;
Fiona Mackenzie, MA, PGCE, BSc, RGN, OND, was lead nurse for the acute sector at the time of audit; all at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian.

Nursing Times 106(34):p 13-15, August 31, 2010.

ABSTRACT

Background

A number of inpatients experience medication errors, which carry potential risks for patients and have cost implications for the NHS. These errors are often a result of interruptions during drug rounds.

Aim

This audit study explored whether introducing drug round tabards reduced the number of interruptions during drug rounds and improved patient care and safety.

Method

Red tabards, embroidered front and back with “Drug round in progress please do not disturb”, were introduced in three wards. A tick box questionnaire was used to collect information on interruptions during each drug round. NHS Grampian's Datix incident reporting system was reviewed for medication errors during the audit period and tabards were randomly swabbed to see if any cultures had grown.

Results and discussion

The average number of interruptions was reduced significantly from six to five after drug round tabards were introduced and there was a slight reduction in the number of incidents reported over the five week audit period compared with the previous year.

Conclusion

Further studies need to be conducted nationwide to provide a better understanding of the effectiveness of drug round tabards. Issues of cost, laundering and infection control need to be further examined.