Is independent double-checking superior to single-checking in medication administration error detection? A randomised controlled simulation trial
IDC improved error detection for experienced nurses, but not for early career nurses. Given its inconsistent benefits, resource demands and susceptibility to social loafing, IDC may be unsuitable as a universal safety strategy. Strengthening single-checking competence and supporting clinical judgement may offer a more effective, scalable approach to improving medication safety.
Authors
- Erin Fitzpatrick
- Caleb Lapointe
- Nanda Aryal (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3118-2006)
- Alan Gardo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8212-0174)
- Johanna Westbrook (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1083-8192)
- Phoebe Williams (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2250-0594)
- Ryan McMullan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4992-3626)
- Mark W. Wiggins (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6422-9475)
- Alison Merchant
- Ling Li
- Magdalena Z Raban
Institutions
- Children's Hospital at Westmead (AU)
- Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (AU)
- Macquarie University (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMJ Quality & Safety
- Published
- 2026-03-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2025-019743
- Primary Topic
- Patient Safety and Medication Errors
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00