Can interruptions affect the prescribing safety and accuracy of Advanced Practitioners (APs)? A review of the research literature

Jonathan Johnston*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

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Abstract

Introduction –Prescribing is one of the most common safety critical tasks in healthcare. This systematic review provides an insight into the research on interruptions to the task of prescribing.

Methodology – A systematic search of the research databases EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL and APA Psych Info was conducted between October 2021 and May 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied based on relevance to the title question. Eleven studies were included and appraised using appropriate and recognised appraisal tools for their methodology.

Results – Small scale, observational studies revealed that the prescription error rate increased with interruptions and distractions. Qualitative studies and interview-based research found that prescribers were able to identify interruptions as a cause of prescribing error. Advanced practitioners and non-medical prescribers were not well represented in the included research literature.

Conclusion – Future research could standardise the sampling and analysis and to help compare studies. Advanced practitioners would be well placed to conduct research looking at the effect on all prescribers. This could create a picture of whether different professional’s training is affected more by interruptions and distractions. Regardless, novel approaches to education around prescribing safety is likely required.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 12 Jun 2023
EventUWS Annual Learning and Teaching conference - University of the West of Scotland
Duration: 12 Jun 202312 Jun 2023

Conference

ConferenceUWS Annual Learning and Teaching conference
Period12/06/2312/06/23

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