Abstract
Objective
Evaluate the impact of a quality improvement program related to the frequency indicators of obstructed nasogastric tubes, the time the nursing team spent on oral medication preparation and administration through this route, and the costs associated with the incident.
Method
Intervention study aimed at comparing pre (Phase I) and post (Phase II) implementation of a Quality Improvement Program, proposed by Institute for Healthcare Improvement . Ninety-two medication doses were observed in Phase I and 66 doses in Phase II. Four Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were needed to achieve the proposed target for the improvement program.
Results
The average time the professional spent on solid medication preparation and administration through nasogastric tube decreased in both phases. Frequencies of obstructed tubes dropped from 33.3% (Phase I) to 7.4% (Phase II) and no probe was obstructed during cycles 1, 2, and 4. The average cost of the obstruction per patient was R$ 1,251.05 per month in Phase I and R$ 23.31 in Phase II. After testing the changes, time savings for the nursing team and cost savings for the institution were verified.
Conclusion
The PDSA cycles were effective in reducing non-conformities in medication preparation and administration via nasogastric tube. This improvement influenced the obstruction frequency, related costs, and the average time the nursing professional spent on the preparation and administration of the medication doses.
Intubation, gastrointestinal; Quality of health care; Medication errors; Patient safety; Risk management
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