ERRORS IN DRUG ADMINISTRATION IN A HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Objective: To identify factors related to errors in medication administration by the nursing staff in a hospital environment. Method: This is an integrative literature review. The search was carried out in the Virtual Health Library in August 2021. 2581 productions were found and 10 were included. Results and discussion: The studies were carried out in Brazil with evidence level 4. Among the related factors were: work routines, overload, overlapping tasks, lack of attention to knowledge, inexperience, interruptions, tiredness, stress, infrastructure, haste, incomplete or illegible or verbal prescription, absence or ignorance of protocols, divergences in dispensing, lack of supervision, incorrect technique, lack of interest, shortage of employees, among others. Individual and structural factors directly influence medication administration errors and compromise patient safety. Conclusion: The most prevalent factors in this review were work overload, lack of attention, interruptions, lack of knowledge and infrastructure.