Posted 05 September 2018 - 11:24
Posted 05 September 2018 - 11:24
News
RCN guidance will help general practice nurses reduce the risk of errors at immunisation clinics
RCN set to publish guidance for general practice nurses on running immunisation clinics
General practice nurses (GPNs) will be able to access tips on managing appointment times at childhood immunisation clinics to reduce the risk of errors.
The upcoming guidance recommends nurses allot a minimum of 20 minutes per patient to ensure all necessary records and documentation can be reviewed before administering immunisations.
According to the National Patient Safety Agency, immunisation-related errors account for the greatest number of serious adverse events in general practice.
Avoiding errors
Insufficient time to interview families, especially those with limited language skills, as well as having unclear or incomplete records can result in the wrong child being immunised.
The pocket-sized booklet and downloadable poster will be published next month (October) by RCN’s General Practice Nursing Forum.
A recent nationwide survey of forum members suggested some clinics allow as little as 10 minutes to vaccinate children.
Other tips on safely setting up and running clinics include:
- Considering running clinics with support from registered or non-registered colleagues to help manage siblings who may be in attendance at the clinic but do not need immunisations.
- Ensuring an up-to-date immunisation schedule is always to hand.
- Obtaining consent from the child’s legal guardian.
Updated guidelines
Chair of the forum Marie Therese Massey said: ‘The safe administration of vaccinations and immunisations has been a common theme on our Facebook page, demonstrating the need for easily accessible and concise information being readily to hand for GPNs.
‘The forum recognised a gap in the current guidelines and we hope we have provided a useful and clear resource to support our members in this carrying out this vital public health service.'
The guidance will be available from the forum's website and from RCN Publications
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