Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong SW(1), Chan WY(2), Tse WT(1), Ho YT(1), Ma YJI(1), Wong KTY(2), Lee MH(1), Fu KS(1), Chow CMN(2), Pang SY(1,2)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Surgery, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospital
(2) Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Medication Safety
Keyword 2: :
Simulation Training
Keyword 3: :
High Alert Medications
Introduction :
Medication safety is a critical component of patient care, particularly when it comes to high-alert medications: drugs that have the highest alert of causing harm when used inappropriately. To foster a robust culture of safety, a simulation training program is designed to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage high alert medications and prevent medication incidents by practicing emergency and common clinical scenarios.
Objectives :
1.To increase nurses' knowledge of safety measures related to high-alert medications.
2.To reinforce nurses’ compliances to obtain drug allergy information & ensure correct patient identification.
3.To enhance nurses’ management on drug administration.
4.To improve the accuracy of medication preparations before administration, including dilutions and calculations.
5.To demonstrate & prorogate the importance of independent checking of medications.
Methodology :
A simulation-based training program was conducted between December 2024 and January 2025 for all registered and enrolled nurses in the department. Two clinical scenarios were developed: one on drug allergy identification for receiving Pseudo ID patient and insulin administration, and another on intravenous preparation of heparin and dopamine. Nurses alternated between role-play and observation roles. Pre- and post-training knowledge tests, checklists, and satisfaction surveys were used to assess learning outcomes. Participant’s strengths, limitations, and areas to improve were discussed in debriefing session.
Result & Outcome :
Total 36 nurses participated in the training. Participants demonstrated enhanced skills in patient identification, protocol adherence, and medication preparation. However, challenges persisted in accessing electronic allergy records, proper labeling, infusion line tracing, and consistent use of independent double check. Improvement on knowledge test was observed after training. Participants appreciated the realistic settings and reported increased awareness of high-alert medication practices.
This simulation training effectively improved nurses’ knowledge, awareness, and skills in managing high-alert medications. The structured scenarios provided a safe environment to identify and address common errors and encouraged double independent checks, proactive communication and verification behaviors.
