Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
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Calculations for Nursing; an educational initiative using
WebCT
Sherri Ogston-Tuck, BSc, MA, PGDip HE, RN
Lecturer and CFP Deputy Programme Leader
Kings College London
Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery
Tel 0207 848 3259
Fax 0207 848 3555
sherri.ogston-tuck@kcl.ac.uk
Philip Blake, BEng (Hons)
Learning Technologist
Kings College London
Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery
Tel 0207 848 3558
Fax 0207 848 3555
philip.blake@kcl.ac.uk
Background
Literature and research support a view that mathematics is
essential in nursing and that numeracy amongst nurses is poor and
lacking in skill and confidence (1) . Mathematics is fundamental to
nursing, however studies present a picture of lack of proficiency
within both the student population and amongst registered nurses
(2) . The administration of medicines is an important aspect of
professional practice…not solely a mechanistic task to be performed
in strict compliance…but requires thought and exercise of
professional judgment (3) . Errors occur too frequently and are
avoidable (4) and there is an estimated 10-22% of all reported
adverse events are drug errors (5) where 9% of all incidents
reported to the NPSA are drug errors (4) .
Nurses have a vital role in medication management and safe drug
administration. Incorrect calculations can lead to drug errors (5, 6) ,
often leading to patient injury or death, and emotional trauma and
suffering for those involved. The estimated cost to the NHS is
between £200-400 million per year (5) .
Nurses need to be able to perform calculations accurately and
safely.
1(Hall, et al, 2005, Wright, K 2004, Ogston-Tuck, 2004; Armitage, and Knapman, 2003; Hutton,
2003; Freedman et al, 2002; O’Shea, 1999; Bindler and Bayne, 1991; Prie, 1987), 2 (Sabin, 2002), 3
(NMC, 2004), 4 (NPSA 2004),5 (DOH 2004)
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