SAFE Loop for Medication Errors
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether a new system, the Safety Action Feedback and Engagement (SAFE) Loop, can help nurses report medication errors more effectively. The goal is to determine if this system improves nurses' perceptions of error reporting and reduces serious medication mistakes compared to the current system. The trial occurs in 20 different nursing units at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Nurses who work more than half their time in these units and patients admitted during the trial period are eligible to participate. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative improvements in healthcare safety.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that the SAFE Loop is safe for enhancing nurse incident reporting practices?
Research shows that the Safety Action Feedback and Engagement (SAFE) Loop is a promising method to improve patient safety. Nurses found it helpful for increasing incident reporting and enhancing perceptions of safety practices. The SAFE Loop is a learning process designed to improve the reporting of medication safety events. Studies have not shown any direct evidence of negative effects or safety concerns. Since this approach focuses on improving procedures rather than introducing a new medication, it is generally considered safe for participants.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the SAFE Loop because it aims to enhance medication safety by actively involving nursing units in a continuous educational and quality improvement process. Unlike standard practices where medication errors may go underreported, the SAFE Loop encourages detailed reporting and feedback tailored to each nursing unit's needs. This approach not only seeks to improve error reporting but also fosters a culture of safety and accountability, potentially leading to significant reductions in medication errors.
What evidence suggests that the SAFE Loop is effective for improving nurse incident reporting and reducing medication errors?
Participants in this trial may experience the Safety Action Feedback and Engagement (SAFE) Loop, a promising method to improve patient safety. Nurses have found it useful for enhancing incident reporting. The SAFE Loop improves hospital incident reporting systems by focusing on key features that enhance patient safety. Testing and improvements have prepared it for real-world use. This approach aims to reduce serious medication errors by encouraging better reporting and feedback.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Carl Berdahl, MD
Principal Investigator
Physician Scientist, Cedars-Sinai
Teryl K Nuckols, MD
Principal Investigator
Vice Chair for Clinical Research Dept of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for nurses working in acute care units at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. To participate, they must work more than half-time on a study unit during the 6-month period or throughout the SAFE Loop implementation if interviewed. Nurses who only work in outpatient clinics, operating rooms, post-anesthesia care, and emergency departments cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Implementation
Implementation of the SAFE Loop intervention, including planning, engaging, executing, and reflecting/evaluating
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Safety Action Feedback and Engagement (SAFE) Loop
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Collaborator