Attributes of errors, facilitators, and barriers related to rate control of IV medications: A scoping review

Abstract

Background Intravenous (IV) medication is commonly administered and closely associated with patient safety. Although nurses dedicate considerable time and effort to rate control of IV medications, many medication errors have been linked to the wrong rate of IV medication. Further, there is a lack of comprehensive studies examining the literature on rate control of IV medications. This study aimed to identify the attributes of errors, facilitators, and barriers related to rate control of IV medications by summarizing and synthesizing the existing literature. Methods This scoping review was conducted using the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Scoping Review extension. Overall, four databases— PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CINAHL—were employed to search for studies published in English before January 2023. We also manually searched reference lists, related journals, and Google Scholar. Results A total of 1,211 studies were retrieved from the database searches and 23 studies were identified from manual searches and Google Scholar searches, after which 22 studies were selected for the analysis. Among the nine experimental studies, two interventions were effective in decreasing errors related to rate control of IV medications. One of them was prospective, continuous incident reporting followed by the implementation of prevention strategies, and the other encompassed six interventions to mitigate interruptions in medication verification and administration. Facilitators and barriers related to rate control of IV medications were classified as human, design, and system-related contributing factors. The sub-categories of human factors were classified as knowledge deficit, performance deficit, and incorrect dosage or infusion rate. The sub-category of design factor was device. The system-related contributing factors were classified as frequent interruptions and distractions, training, assignment or placement of healthcare providers or inexperienced personnel, policies and procedures, and communication systems between healthcare practitioners. Conclusions Further research is needed to develop effective interventions to improve IV rate control. Considering the rapid growth of technology in medical settings, interventions and policy changes regarding education and the work environment are necessary.