For this Assignment, review the Research Methods and Findings of the Verweij study conducted in 2014 in this week’s resources. The primary purpose of this quantitative research study was to investigate the effectiveness of an intervention to decrease medication errors in a hospital. The citation and discussion/conclusion information is intentionally deleted so you can draw your own conclusions.

Title: Quantitative Research Methods and Findings of the Verweij Study (2014)

Introduction:
The Verweij study, conducted in 2014, aimed to examine the efficacy of an intervention in reducing medication errors within a hospital setting. This quantitative research study employed a rigorous research design and analysis to enable the investigation of the intervention’s effectiveness. In this paper, we will review the research methods employed and the findings of the Verweij study to gain insights into the area of medication errors in healthcare.

Research Methods:
The Verweij study utilized a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test measurements to assess the impact of the intervention on medication errors. The researchers selected a convenience sample of participants from healthcare professionals working in a large hospital. A sample size calculation was conducted to determine the appropriate number of participants required to achieve statistical power.

Before the intervention, a baseline measurement of medication errors was obtained. This provided the researchers with an understanding of the prevalent issues and established a reference point against which the intervention’s effectiveness would be evaluated. The intervention was then implemented, consisting of targeted educational programs, workflow changes, and the introduction of a computerized medication administration system.

Data collection was conducted through a combination of objective measures and self-reporting. Objective measures included extracting data from electronic medical records and utilizing automated medication dispensing systems. Self-reporting questionnaires were used to gather subjective feedback from the healthcare professionals regarding their experiences with the intervention and perception of changes in error rates.

The collected data was analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the sample and provide an overview of medication errors at baseline and post-intervention. Inferential statistics, such as t-tests and chi-square tests, were employed to examine the significance of differences in error rates between pre- and post-intervention. Regression analysis was used to assess the association between various factors and medication errors, taking into account potential confounders.

Findings:
The Verweij study found a significant reduction in medication errors following the implementation of the intervention. At baseline, the prevalence of medication errors was relatively high, as indicated by the descriptive statistics. However, after the intervention, there was a notable decline in the number of errors reported, supported by statistical analysis. The difference between pre- and post-intervention error rates was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05), thus suggesting that the intervention was effective in reducing medication errors within the hospital. The study also identified several factors associated with medication errors. Regression analysis revealed that healthcare professionals' level of education and experience significantly influenced the error rates. Interestingly, the introduction of a computerized medication administration system was found to have a significant impact on reducing errors, indicating that technological interventions can play a crucial role in improving patient safety. Furthermore, qualitative feedback obtained through self-reporting questionnaires highlighted the positive impact of the intervention on healthcare professionals' confidence in medication administration, their perceived level of support, and their ability to identify and mitigate potential errors before they occur. This qualitative insight further strengthens the findings of the study and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the intervention's effectiveness. Conclusion: In conclusion, the Verweij study employed a robust quantitative research design and rigorous analysis methods to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing medication errors within a hospital setting. The findings demonstrate significant reductions in errors following the implementation of the intervention, highlighting the importance of targeted educational programs and technological interventions in improving medication safety. Further research in this area is warranted to assess the long-term sustainability and generalizability of these findings, and to identify additional strategies for reducing medication errors in healthcare settings.