Siah, J. W., Cheng, C. K. T., Choy, C. L., Tho, P. C., & Lang, S. P. (2025). Interruption reduction during oral medication rounds among nurses in hematology-oncology wards: A best practice implementation project. JBI Evidence Implementation, 23(3), 274-281. https://doi.org/10.1097/XEB.0000000000000457
This study implemented evidence-based strategies to reduce interruptions during oral medication rounds in hematology-oncology wards. Interventions implemented included visual cues and education on communication boundaries made during med passes. Nurses can implement this evidence to create and maintain “no interruption” zones and promote awareness among staff and visitors. This resource supports the implementation of structured visual and environmental interventions to protect medication administration.
Kojima, T., Kinoshita, N., Kitamura, H., Tanaka, K., Tokunaga, A., Nakagawa, S., Abe, T., & Nakajima, K. (2023). Effect of Improvement Measures in Reducing Interruptions in a Japanese Hospital Pharmacy Using a Synthetic Approach Based on Resilience Engineering and Systems Thinking. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1), 331-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09346-2
This article discusses how system-level redesign and resilience thinking can reduce workflow interruptions in the pharmacy settings. It stresses environmental layout and communication design. Nurses can apply similar systems-thinking approaches to identify areas of interruption and design process improvements. Offers resources for analyzing workflow and designing organizational change.
Effects of the interruption management strategy "STAY S.A.F.E." during medication administration. (2023). Rehabilitation Nursing, 48(2), E7-E8. https://doi.org/10.1097/RNJ.0000000000000411
Introduces the STAY S.A.F.E. framework (“Stop, Think, Act, Yield, Scan, Assess, Focus, Evaluate”) for managing interruptions during medication passes. Nurses can integrate this checklist into daily tasks to stay mindful when interruptions occur, improving focus and safety. A concise and practical behavioral tool nurses can use in their workplace to minimize error risks when interruptions are unavoidable.
Arkin, L., Schuermann, A. A., Loerzel, V., & Penoyer, D. (2023). Original research: Exploring medication safety practices from the nurse's perspective. The American Journal of Nursing, 123(12), 18-28. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NAJ.0000996552.02491.7d
This study explores nurses’ perceptions of medication safety and barriers to safe practice, highlighting interruptions as a major contributor to errors. Encourages reflection among nurses about personal experiences and supports peer discussion sessions. Gives insight into challenges nurses face and supports staff engagement in developing realistic solutions.