To Reduce Medication Errors, 'Do Not Disturb' Signs Worn by Nurses During Drug Rounds

With an effort to reduce the number of medication mistakes by nurses, NHS has come up with an idea of nurses wearing “do not disturb" signs in the color red during drug rounds when they administer drugs to patients. The opinion regarding this move is divided with some patient groups fearing that they will be left to fend for themselves, and not have them answer their requests even if they press the buzzer.

Patients also feel that this is the only time they interact with the nurses. So, donning these signs can make the nurses seem unapproachable and cause anxiety to many patients.

Nurses usually carry out drug round three times during the day lasting for about half hour. NHS had advised staff, visitors, and patients to avoid disturbing nurses during drug rounds as distraction can lead to medication errors.

This comes in the wake of figures reported by the National Patient Safety Agency which show that nearly 10 per cent of the 1million safety incidents annually boils down to errors of medication.



Source-Medindia