Preventing Insulin Storage and Administration Errors

■The research problem was discovered when nurses were observed storing and administering insulin improperly. The objectives of this project were to find the correct policies for these procedures, obtain research that backed these policies, and present this information to nurses to create a safer habit. In researching, it was found that reducing the physical distance between a person completing work and the materials required to do so increased compliance (Gibbs & McLernon, 2017). In a second study, the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality care for patients with diabetes in the community is dependent upon (district) nurses having appropriate knowledge and competency pertaining to insulin (Rob et al., 2017). A third study concluded that “Education is likely the first feasible step to achieve improvements” (Nguyen et al., 2014). Based on this research, it is recommended that the current policies remain in place, and all nursing staff receive re-education on these polices as well as a potential addition of a pop-up window in the EPIC computer system during dual sign off procedures