Aim and objectives: The overall aim of this study was to investigate the medication administration practices of children's nurses. The specific objective was to identify practices that may improve the medication administration process, where necessary.
Design: Using a non-experimental survey design, a 'Medication Administration Practices Survey' was developed for use in this study. The survey was designed to include questions based on medication administration practices and not solely on medication errors. Ethical approval was obtained from the local research ethics committee where data were collected. All clinical staff working in all areas in a children's hospital were included.
Results: Interruptions in the medication process, a heavy workload and fatigue were some of the findings that emerged from this study. Inadequate knowledge and skills and a failure to comply with hospital policy were also identified.
Conclusion: A lack of adherence to hospital policy and the frequency of interruptions in the medication administration process are important practices that require change as indicated by this study. Several recommendations are made, directed toward preventing or reducing medication errors and supporting children's nurses in providing best practice.