Handling Errors in the Use of Inhalation Devices: Inhalation Technique Skills and Knowledge in Pediatric Nurses. Issue 2 (27th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neininger, Martina Patrizia; Kaune, Almuth; Musiol, Juliane; Kiess, Wieland; Bertsche, Astrid; Prenzel, Freerk; Bertsche, Thilo
• Is Part Of: Journal of nursing care quality. Volume 37:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 180
• Page End: 187
• Publication Date: 2022-04-27
• Subjects: administration of inhalation devices -- bronchial disease -- medication errors -- nurses -- pediatrics; Nursing -- Standards -- Periodicals; Nursing audit -- Periodicals; Health facilities -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Nurse administrators -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000587
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-3631

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Children suffering from bronchial diseases need assistance from nurses in the use of inhalation devices. Purpose: We aimed to assess nurses' skills and knowledge concerning drug administration with inhalation devices in hospitalized pediatric patients. Methods: An expert panel defined medication errors in drug administration with inhalation devices in children. We monitored 241 inhalation procedures to investigate nurses' inhalation technique skills. Twenty-nine nurses completed a questionnaire to assess nurses' knowledge. Results: Skills : In 93 of 241 (39%) inhalation procedures, the mask/mouthpiece did not fit airtight. In none of the 11 inhalations administering a glucocorticoid, the patient's mouth was thoroughly cleaned afterward. Knowledge : Ten of 29 nurses (34%) thought a distance between mask and the patient's face was acceptable. Only 16 of 29 (55%) knew that it is necessary to thoroughly clean the patient's mouth after the inhalation of budesonide. Conclusions: We found that education on inhalation procedures including practical training is required to increase patient safety.