Nurses' experiences with newly acquired knowledge about medication management: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate nurses' experiences with implementation of knowledge gained through an obligatory medication management programme (MMP).

Background: Lack of knowledge among nurses is an important contributor to medication management errors. Therefore, training programmes such as the MMP were established to help nurses acquire and refine their practice skills.

Method: This was a qualitative study using semistructured interviews and thematically analysed data.

Results: The nurses felt that medication management was a major responsibility, but following the MMP, they experienced a greater awareness of their own knowledge and became more confident. Time pressures and poorly established procedures and organisational planning were experienced as barriers to ensuring sound medication management practice and made it difficult to implement the knowledge gained from the MMP.

Conclusion: Nurses reported that the MMP gave them greater awareness of their knowledge and new knowledge. They also stated that management choices were significantly affected by organisational factors, stress and their own lack of confidence.

Implications for nursing management: Ensuring a secure knowledge base, positive working environment and nursing staffing that matches the workload will further improve nurses' professional skills and knowledge.

Keywords: education programme; hospital nurse experience; knowledge; medication management; skill.