Developing risk management behaviours for nurses through medication incident analysis

The aim of this study was to define risk management behaviours related to medication safety. Mixed methods were used
to analyze 318 nursing related medication incidents reported in an Australian metropolitan hospital. Most incidents did not
result in patient harm (93%). Omission of medications was the most frequent often related to patient absences from the
unit or nurses failing to sign for medications. Thematic analysis resulted in the Medication Safety Subscales including 29
behavioural statements within three domains—administering medications, storage and management of medications,
managing adverse events related to medications. The Medication Safety Subscales can be used by managers, educators and
clinicians to reinforce the importance of medication safety. Early action by nurses may reduce patient injury