Partnering with Patients in Medication Administration: Testing the effect of a information brochure for patients on medication administration errors

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Primary objectives To determine (1) the feasibility of the KT patient engagement intervention and study design, and (2) the effect of the patient engagement intervention on medication administration error rates. Secondary objectives To determine (1) patients’ and nurses’ perceptions of the acceptability of the KT patient engagement intervention, and (2) the effect of the intervention on nurses’ and patients’ behaviour. The intervention The basis of this knowledge translation (KT) patient engagement intervention will be a patient brochure containing information about the required medication administration checking procedures, developed in consultation with consumer representatives and clinical nurse representatives. Four general wards across two hospitals will be included: two intervention wards (i.e., brochure) and two control wards (i.e., usual practice/no brochure). Research staff will distribute the brochure to patients within 24 hours of their admission to the intervention wards. Their attention will be drawn to the content of the brochure and their right to ask the nurse if the checking procedure has been adhered to. The brochure will remain with the patient for the duration of their inpatient stay. Outcome data Data on medication administration errors will be obtained from three different sources: Medication chart audits: Carried out on all four wards on a single day each month for 3-months prior, 3-months during, and 3-months post intervention. RiskMan medication error data: For all four wards, monthly reports of RiskMan data will be obtained for 4-months prior, 3-months during, and 4-months post intervention. Random observations of nurses’ medication administration practices: For the 3-months pre, during and post intervention, observations of medication administration by nurses will be undertaken on the four wards. Process evaluation data Patient interview: Approximately 48-hours following discharge from intervention wards (consent will be obtained prior to discharge), a telephone interview will be conducted to elicit patients’ perceptions of the brochure and whether it had any effect on their behaviour. Patient survey: Patients discharged from all four wards during the 3-month intervention phase will be invited to complete a survey, primarily focused on their confidence to manage their health and their involvement and engagement in their own care. Staff focus group interview: Registered nurses and medication endorsed enrolled nurses on intervention wards will be invited to participate in a focus group interview to determine their perceptions of the intervention.

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