Effects of technology-enabled tool on the processing of prescribed medication orders among nurses at Asian Hospital and Medical Center / Restituta C. Tan 6

Thesis (M.A.) -- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Intramuros, Manila, 2004.;A thesis presented to the faculty of Graduate School of Arts, Sciences, Education, and Nursing, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Nursing. 56

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ABSTRACT. Effects of the technology-enabled tool in the processing of prescribed medication orders could save time, improve productivity, and in a way - reduce errors. This is an innovative system-approach of assuring that the right patient has the right medication at the right time with a right dose and in its right route. In this study, the effects of the technology-enabled tool on the processing of prescribed medication orders used in achieving a predicted goal was investigated. The researcher utilized a descriptive survey to identify a specific population and the differences based on an accurate description of variables as they occur naturally. It was conducted from October 11 - November 12, 2004 at Asian Hospital and Medical Center involving 50 respondents who previously or presently worked as nurses in this hospital. These respondents have actual knowledge and experience on the use of this technology-enabled tool in the processing of prescribed medication orders. A two-part questionnaire, which was formulated by the researcher, was the primary data-gathering tool in obtaining relevant information. A random interview with respondents was also done to substantiate this study. The study revealed that, misinterpretation of doctor's orders ranked first in the common errors in medication during the interpretation and transcription phase prior to the use of the technology-enabled tool (Z = -4.71a; = >.05). Not using trailing or leading zeroes, confusion between drugs of similar names, and inappropriate use of decimal points followed it. There is a significant difference in the error load in the processing of prescribed medication orders prior to and with the use of technology-enabled tool (computed t-value = 5.972, df = 49, tabular t-value - 2.0105, p = .05). The level of accuracy the technology-enabled tool gives in the processing of prescribed medication orders was 24% highly accurate, 70% moderately accurate, 6% less accurate. Its extent of usage was supported by the frequency of responses based on experience of respondents on the use of technology-enabled tool with average (x) = 12.40 as to strongly agree, and (x) = 35.90 as to agree. Results of this study support the use of the technology-enabled tool in the processing of prescribed medication orders. It is aimed on improving the delivery of care to patients with safety as a paramount concern. It is therefore recommended that the result be utilized as a basis in developing related systems enhancement with the use of communication technology. This is to ensure that patients who are the recipients of care will be accorded with medical and nursing attention within, if not beyond the expected standards of care.

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