Medication Safety Quality Measures
According to the Journal
for Nurses in Staff Development,
staff training should be a continuous competency-based process that exceeds
regulatory standards and enhances overall knowledge. Many different types of
training are used. Some common types of hospital staff medication training
programs are:
- inservices (unit-based instruction)
- traditional courses (academic instruction)
- practice under the guidance
of a preceptor (hands-on instruction)
Because of the complexity of medication administration and
the potential for harm, a combination of ongoing training methods is recommended
to help staff continually enhance knowledge and skills regarding medication
safety.
Simulation is a newer training method that uses real-life
situations, in a simulated setting. It allows nursing staff members to learn,
discuss, practice, and be evaluated, while fully participating in the learning
experience.
At
St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, nursing staff training regarding medication
safety is part of the staff education program. The following methods are used:
inservices (unit-based instruction), practice under the guidance of a preceptor
(hands-on instruction in a simulated setting)..