Combining research and design: A mixed methods approach aimed at understanding and optimising inpatient medication storage systems.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Almost every patient admitted to hospital will receive medication during their stay. Medication errors are an important cause of patient morbidity and mortality, as well as an economic burden for healthcare institutions. Research suggests that current methods of storing medication on hospital wards are not fit for purpose, contributing to inefficiency and error.

Aim

To improve medication storage in inpatient areas, by exploring variation and challenges related to medication storage and designing a prototype solution.

Methods

Set in four hospitals in an English teaching hospital trust, the study used a mixed methods approach comprising a quantitative descriptive survey of storage facilities and practices followed by mixed methods observations of medication r

SUBMITTER: Wheeler C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8638963 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature