Deliberate Practice of Hand Hygiene and Patient Identification During Simulated Medication Administration: A Multisite Study

Abstract

Background: Nursing students are often noncompliant with foundational patient safety procedures during medication administration.

Purpose: Determine the effectiveness of deliberate practice on hand hygiene and patient identification compliance among prelicensure nursing students during simulated medication administration.

Methods: A repeated-measures quasi-experimental study was conducted at 4 schools of nursing. Participants independently completed 8 simulated scenarios across 2 semesters. Deliberate practice occurred after each simulation. Data were collected using the Observational Medication Administration Tool. Changes in compliance were analyzed using the Generalized Estimating Equations model.

Results: Sixty students participated. Hand hygiene compliance improved from 17% at baseline (T0) to 59% at final assessment (T7). Patient identification compliance improved from 47% at T0 to 90% at T7. Statistically significant ( P < .001) improvements occurred across assessment times.

Conclusions: Findings provide support for deliberate practice in improving compliance with hand hygiene and patient identification. Continued focus and reinforcement of foundational patient safety procedures with nursing students is recommended.

Keywords: clinical competence; clinical skills; competency-based education; patient safety; simulation training; skill decay.