Registered nurses' and junior doctors' perceptions of the nurses' extended role of intravenous drug administration

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of registered nurses and junior doctors working in surgical wards in a Maltese General Hospital, on the nurses' extended role of intravenous drug administration. While exploring these perceptions, the study also sought to identify current intravenous drug administration practices, determine whether nurses feel adequately prepared to take on this role, and assess participants awareness of the St. Luke's Hospital Policy for administration of intravenous drugs by nurses. A descriptive non-experimental design was used to fulfil these objectives. Eight nurses and ten junior doctors working in the surgical area were conveniently selected. Two different questionnaires, one for each sample group were used as data collection tools. A 100% response rate was achieved. Findings suggest that both nurses and junior doctors approve of nurses taking on this extended role and that nurses feel adequately prepared to take on this role. Intravenous drug administration is currently a shared activity between doctors and nurses. All nurses administered intravenous drugs, yet only half had attended an intravenous drug administration course. None of the junior doctors participating in the study had received formal training in intravenous drug administration. Results also showed that participants, especially the junior doctors, lack awareness on the St. Luke's Hospital policy. It is recommended that training for medical students in intravenous drug administration is provided, and more focus is placed on the St. Luke's Hospital policy during the post registration course on IV drug administration provided to nurses. In addition, several suggestions for further research have been made, including the use of observational studies to assess both nurses' and junior doctors' intravenous drug administration practices.