"RED APRON DRUG ROUND" A Quality Improvement Strategy

The project took place in a Care of the Older Person Services in a 25 bedded community unit . The Health Service Executive change model was used and utilized the following four steps for the successful implementation of the... [ view full abstract ]

The project took place in a Care of the Older Person Services in a 25 bedded community unit . The Health Service Executive change model was used and utilized the following four steps for the successful implementation of the red apron. The change model included four elements, initiation, planning, implementation and mainstreaming. The writer undertook a literature review on current articles on medication management and the red apron. Education on the project plan and medication management was given to all staff. Letters ware given to relatives and verbal communication to all residents were undertaken prior to the project. An educational folder was available for all staff to read on current research articles on medication management. Pre-observational studies on six medication rounds at different times and days of the week were observed to obtain a full representation of the drug rounds. The total amount of interruptions observed were 27 in total. The source of interruptions was staff, telephone, noise, personal, conversation and residents. Resources such as red aprons with the words “Do not disturb” were sought. Signage was displayed on drug trolleys, nurse’s station and within the ward. The aim of the quality improvement strategy is to reduce the number of interruptions during the medication administration and to allow staff protected time in doing so. The red apron would also result in reducing medication errors, ensuring that patient safety is paramount. Post observation studies were observed post the implementation of the red apron to see if any decrease occurred. The results showed a decrease in interruptions from 27 to 12 which was a very positive outcome for the ward. This was a very small but positive project plan which at present is implemented on one ward within the hospital but will be rolled out to other wards in the coming months.