Medication errors: colour-coding no match for critical thinking

Safety in nursing relies on critical thinking. A head of nursing explains her scepticism of ‘work around’ safety measures that might in fact increase risk of errors

In the UK, nursing is regularly voted the most trusted profession. Perhaps this is because nurses are often patients’ first and last line of defence.

We are relied on and we are accountable for preserving people’s safety and protecting them – whether that involves making a judgement to escalate a deteriorating patient, removing a device safely, or advocating for those under our care.

Many competing forces contribute to medication errors

We are also trusted to safely administer the correct medicine via the correct routes.