An interprofessional approach to improving paediatric medication safety

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Date
2010-02
Authors
Stewart, M.
Purdy, J.
Kennedy, N.
Burns, A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Medical Education
Abstract
Safe drug prescribing and administration are essential elements within undergraduate healthcare curricula, but medication errors, especially in paediatric practice, continue to compromise patient safety. In this area of clinical care, collective responsibility, team working and communication between health professionals have been identified as key elements in safe clinical practice. To date, there is limited research evidence as to how best to deliver teaching and learning of these competencies to practitioners of the future.
Description
Following the workshop, students reported an increase in their knowledge and awareness of paediatric medication safety and the causes of medication errors (p < 0.001), with the greatest increase noted among medical students. Highly significant changes in students' attitudes to shared learning were observed, indicating that safe medication practice is learnt more effectively with students from other healthcare disciplines. Qualitative data revealed that students' participation in the workshop improved communication and teamworking skills, and led to greater awareness of the role of other healthcare professionals.
Keywords
Medical student, Medical error, Nursing student Paediatric practice
Citation
Stewart, M., Purdy, J., Kennedy, N. et al. An interprofessional approach to improving paediatric medication safety. BMC Med Educ 10, 19 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6920-10-19
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