Introduction
Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been using a ‘second check’ approach on the final accuracy check of medicines identified as high risk by the departments risk group.
It was thought this process would eliminate errors and improve patient safety. Despite this, data analysis showed errors were still occurring.
This project involves the implementation of the ‘Kaizen’ approach, a Japanese method of continuously improving by eliminating wasteful processes and in turn reducing errors. The second check method was put through this process and the assisted check programme was born.
Objectives
• Reduce errors – improving patient safety.
• Reduce accuracy checking workload
• Improve turnaround times
• Standardise process across sites.
Method
The assisted check process uses two members of staff, one being a qualified ACPT/Pharmacist, the other being any other member of the team. The checker will identify when they have a high risk medication and enlist help for an assisted check.
• The checker holds the medication.
• The assister holds the prescription.
• The assister relays prescription information as outlined on a designated prompt card.
• The checker confirms information against product.
• Checker signs label accepting responsibility, assister signs only to indicate process was completed.
Results
• Reduction in workload/pressures
• Reduction in turnaround times
• Elimination of errors – 8 errors recorded in the year previous compared with 0 errors since the introduction of assisted checking.
Conclusion
The data analysis of errors has shown this streamlines the checking process and dramatically enhances patient safety.
References
Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Kaizen Team