The impact of Nurse Workload on Medication Administration Errors
Poudel, Bindu (2025)
Poudel, Bindu
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060621060
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060621060
Tiivistelmä
This thesis examines how nurses’ workloads impact medication administration errors, aiming to identify the key workload factors that contribute to such mistakes. The study bases its findings on a review of relevant literature combined with a qualitative content analysis of research articles. It employs James Reason’s Human Error Theory, which explores the distinction between individual mistakes and systemic issues, to shed light on the complex causes of errors. The findings indicate that high workloads caused by long shifts, high nurse to patient ratios, and administrative tasks significantly contribute to medication errors. Among these, time pressure and cognitive overload emerge as the most influential factors, while physical strain plays a smaller role. Emotional exhaustion and reduced job satisfaction, both linked to heavy workloads, further aggravate the situation, negatively impacting patient safety and the quality of care. Although tools like electronic medical records (EMRs) offer potential solutions by streamlining processes and reducing errors, they also introduce challenges such as added technical demands and usability issues. The study highlights the importance of proper staffing, effective resource allocation, and improved training to alleviate workloads and prevent errors. Recommendations include implementing well structured shift schedules, enhancing EMR usability, and supporting nurses’ emotional well being to improve patient safety and care standards. This research contributes valuable insights into improving workload management in healthcare settings.