Errors in the preparation and administration of medications: an integrative review of Latin American literature

Objective: To analyze the contents the scientific production of Latin American nurses regarding on preparation and administration of medical drugs from 2005 to 2011 using Latin American and Caribbean Center Information the Health Sciences (LILACS) y Electronics Scientific Library (SciELO) databases. Methodology: The following research was an integrative review. Data collection was performed in the month of October 2012 and according to the inclusion criteria, were selected eight articles. Results: The articles were analyzed in terms of objectives, methodological path, main results and suggestions for improvement. The analysis indicates exclusive production of Brazil, descriptive studies, conducted in hospitals and general suggestions as continuing education, error reporting and implementation of a safety culture. Conclusions: Considering that aspects emphasized by the World Health Organization (OMS) to achieve safer care are: to find causes, to propose solutions and to evaluate the impact, it is concluded that production need of knowledge that effectively improve professional practice. Looking to the system, promoting researches with analytical studies will allow effective responses according to reality.