Error identification and recovery by student nurses using human patient simulation: Opportunity to improve patient safety

Henneman, Elizabeth A.; Roche, Joan P.; Fisher, Donald L.; Cunningham, Helene; Reilly, Cheryl A.; Nathanson, Brian H.; Henneman, Philip L.

doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2008.02.004

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Volume 23, Issue 1 , Pages 11-21, February 2010

Error identification and recovery by student nurses using human patient simulation: Opportunity to improve patient safety

Elizabeth A. Henneman, RN, PhD, CCNS
- School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 413 545 0405.
Joan P. Roche, RN, PhD, APRN
- School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
Donald L. Fisher, PhD
- College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
Helene Cunningham, RN, MS
- School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
Cheryl A. Reilly, RN, PhD
- School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
Brian H. Nathanson, PhD
- OptiStatim, LLC, Longmeadow, MA 01106, USA
Philip L. Henneman, MD
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, USA

Received 8 October 2007; received in revised form 19 January 2008; accepted 19 February 2008. published online 16 January 2009.

Abstract

This study examined types of errors that occurred or were recovered in a simulated environment by student nurses. Errors occurred in all four rule-based error categories, and all students committed at least one error. The most frequent errors occurred in the verification category. Another common error was related to physician interactions. The least common errors were related to coordinating information with the patient and family. Our finding that 100% of student subjects committed rule-based errors is cause for concern. To decrease errors and improve safe clinical practice, nurse educators must identify effective strategies that students can use to improve patient surveillance.