"A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce the Medication Errors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital, Saudi Arabia"

Abstract

This quality improvement (QI) initiative aims to reduce medication errors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital, Saudi Arabia, by 40% within one year. Medication errors in NICUs are a critical patient safety concern, particularly due to the vulnerability of neonates. A Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle will be employed to guide the project, focusing on implementing a Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) system. The intervention targets the most common causes of medication errors, such as incorrect dosages and transcription errors. The CPOE system will be integrated with clinical decision support tools to enhance the accuracy of medication orders and streamline communication between healthcare providers. The initiative will involve staff training, system customization, and ongoing monitoring using process and outcome measures such as medication error rates, compliance with CPOE usage, and incidence of adverse drug events (ADEs). Key performance indicators, including medication error rates, compliance with CPOE usage, and ADEs, will be measured using Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts and run charts. Quantitative analysis will demonstrate a significant reduction in medication errors, while qualitative feedback from staff should reveal improved workflow efficiency and safety culture in the NICU. The project anticipates barriers such as resistance to change, alert fatigue, and technical challenges, which will be addressed through leadership engagement, phased implementation, and continuous staff support. Although the proposal is specific to Abha Maternity and Children Hospital, the framework can serve as a model for other NICUs in similar settings. If successful, the project is expected to foster a culture of safety, improve patient outcomes, and set the stage for broader QI initiatives across the Saudi Arabian healthcare system. The project will contribute valuable insights into improving medication safety in NICUs and underscores the importance of technology-driven interventions in enhancing patient outcomes.