Spectrum Health System–Gerber Memorial Hospital TCAB Tackles Medication Errors

Implementing medication safety zones has been shown to reduce medication errors and adverse drug events, thus increasing patient safety. The TCAB unit at Spectrum Health System–Gerber Memorial Hospital noted these findings and, using the Plan/Do/Study/Act cycle, created a “no interruption zone” in front of the medication preparation area. Nurses reported a calmer environment with fewer interruptions but suggested including the entire medication room due to logistics, physical environment, and continued interruptions from conversation outside of zoned areas. Through the TCAB process, the team decided to redraw the “no interruption zone” based on these suggestions. This innovation has decreased the number of interruptions during medication preparation and thus decreased medication errors. It is spreading to other units with the hospital.