Published Review of Independent Double Checks Shouldn’t Dissuade Providers From Using Them Judiciously
By the Institute for Safe Medication Practices
A recent systematic review of the effectiveness of double checking to reduce medication administration errors, published by Australian researchers in BMJ Quality & Safety, clearly demonstrates an overall lack of high-quality studies on the subject (Koyama, Maddox, Li, Bucknall, & Westbrook, 2019). However, the authors also conclude that there is insufficient evidence that double versus single checking of medications prior to administration is associated with lower rates of medication errors or reduced harm. After careful examination and thorough consideration of the recent systematic review, ISMP respectfully concludes that little evidence was provided that should cause healthcare providers to abandon the use of judicious and well-placed independent double checks for selected high-alert medications. Instead, ISMP continues to believe that the selective and proper use of manual independent double checks plays an important role in medication safety (Institute for Safe Medication Practices, 2019).
Our primary concerns with the recent systematic review are outlined below and are largely associated with limitations in the reviewed studies and disagreement with some of the conclusions drawn by the authors from these studies. Many of the study limitations are described by the authors. Yet, without careful consideration of the findings, we worry that the authors’ conclusion—that there is insufficient evidence to support the double-check processes—may incorrectly dissuade healthcare providers from the judicious and proper use of independent double checks, as described in our June 6, 2019, newsletter (Institute for Safe Medication Practices, 2019) and summarized in Table 1 (see below).
Limitations in the studies
Quality of the studies reviewed
Thirteen studies spanning 1992 to 2018 met the authors’ inclusion criteria for the systematic review and were part of the analysis. However, the authors point out that study quality varied, and 10 of the 13 studies reviewed were rated as poor- or fair-quality studies based on criteria from the National Institutes of Health (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2019). Many of the studies were underpowered and failed to provide meaningful results. Five of the studies had small study populations and/or low error rates, making it difficult to assess the association between double checking and medication error prevention. Five studies also relied completely or in part on self-reports or incident report data to measure medication errors, likely resulting in a large number of undetected and uncountable errors.
Only three of the reviewed studies were determined to be good-quality studies based on criteria from the National Institutes of Health. One of these studies only reported double checking compliance rates. The two other good-quality studies that evaluated effectiveness found a positive association between double checking and a reduction in medication errors. In one, an international observational study, double checking was significantly associated with a lower odds of any medication error (Härkänen, Ahonen, Kervinen, Turunen, & Vehviläinen-Julkunen, 2015). In the other, a U.S. randomized controlled simulation study, the use of a double check was found to be superior to a single check for detecting a relatively straightforward wrong-vial error (Douglass et al., 2018). The double check was also more effective than the single check at detecting a more complex, weight-based dosing error, although this effect was less pronounced. All three good-quality studies used direct observation to identify medication error rates and/or compliance rates.
Almost half of the studies evaluated only compliance rates
Six of the 13 studies included in the systematic review provided double-checking adherence rates but did not test for an association between double checking and medication administration errors. Thus, almost half of the studies included in the systematic review could not inform an evaluation of the effectiveness of double checking—they could only inform the question of whether double checks were being done, as required.
Independent versus primed double checking
As the authors pointed out, most of the studies investigating double checking did not differentiate between independent and primed double checking. Independent double checking requires two people to separately check the targeted components of the work process, without knowing the results of their colleague. Primed double checking involves two people working together or influencing the checking process by suggesting what the checker should find. Independent double checks are recommended since, if the checker is primed, an error may not be detected due to confirmation bias (Institute for Safe Medication Practices, 2019). Only three of the 13 reviewed studies reported if and how independent and primed double checking were differentiated. One of those studies only looked at double checking compliance rates. The other two studies, both of good quality, specifically described the double checking performed as independent and found a positive correlation between the independent double check and reduced medication error rates. None of the studies provided rates of medication errors comparing independent versus primed double checking.
All medications versus selected high-alert medications
More than half of the studies investigated double checks for all types of medications administered in a hospital. For example, one study required double checking of all medications administered; another study required double checking of all oral, inhaled, and topical medications; and several other studies required double checking of all intravenous medications. Very few studies investigated double checks for only selected high-alert medications, as recommended by ISMP. With workflow issues ever present, lack of time to carry out the checking process properly is a strong, recurrent theme of failed double checks and staff resistance to this strategy. Fewer independent double checks strategically placed at the most vulnerable points of the medication use process will likely be much more effective than an overabundance of independent double checks. However, only two studies in the systematic review tested selective double checking for only the most vulnerable high-alert medications (i.e., subcutaneous insulin injections; high-risk drugs).
Areas of disagreement with conclusions
Evidence to support double checks
The authors suggest that their review reveals there is no solid evidence base to support the use of double checks. They also raise the question as to whether a lack of association between double checking and drug administration errors is due to an actual lack of effect or a lack of compliance with the intervention itself, a cursory double check, or lack of a truly independent double check. While the latter question is certainly valid, please note that all seven (two of which are good quality) of the reviewed studies that actually tested for an association between double checking and medication administration errors demonstrated a reduction in medication errors when a double check was used. Although methodological weaknesses were present in some of the studies, all seven studies failed to show that single checking led to fewer errors than double checking. While one of the good-quality studies identified situations in which a second more experienced nurse dissuaded the first inexperienced nurse from acting on a suspected error, the overall effect of double checking increased error detection with both complex weight-based dosing errors and a straightforward wrong vial error (Douglass et al., 2018). While we agree with the authors’ conclusion that there is a lack of high-quality studies on the subject of double checking (perhaps this is what the authors meant by “no solid evidence-based support”), we disagree that there is no evidence to support its judicious and proper use.
Speculation about the potential prevention of harm
None of the studies included in the review assessed patient harm as an outcome. Thus, the authors hypothesize as to the potential effect of double checks on actual patient harm, concluding that even a large risk ratio in favor of double checking may not result in a substantial reduction in harm. They go on to question the potential value in using double checks to prevent actual harm, particularly from rare, catastrophic errors. The authors base this conclusion on the fact that, overall, there is a low proportion of medication administration errors that result in actual patient harm. However, ISMP has long recommended reserving double checks for the most vulnerable high-alert medications, which carry a much higher risk of causing catastrophic patient harm when used in error than most other medications. Thus, we respectfully disagree with speculation that the potential value of double checks in preventing actual harm is low; instead, appropriately placed double checks for the most vulnerable high-alert medications can prevent devastating patient harm, and thus offer great value.
Areas of agreement with conclusions
ISMP concurs with the authors about the methodological concerns with many of the studies on double checking and the need for future, high-quality research that focuses on:
> Clearly linking independent double checks for select high-alert medications to fewer errors reaching patients and harmful outcomes using measures that do not rely on self-reports of medication error rates or incident report data
> Robust trials measuring the frequency and severity of errors identified and prevented during the double-checking process, and potential and actual outcomes of errors
> Closer attention to the details of the double-checking process used, in particular the extent to which checks are performed independently and whether all steps in the process are completed as specified
> The fundamental questions about when and where double checking, using humans and/or technology, is beneficial to patient safety outcomes
ISMP conclusions
In general, we disagree with the authors’ conclusion that the evidence shows an absence of effectiveness in reducing medication error rates with double checking. In fact, all the studies included in this review that tested for effectiveness showed a reduction of medication error rates with double checking. While we agree that the quality of many of the studies was poor or fair, with methodological weaknesses, this review does not present enough evidence to abandon the use of independent double checks for the most vulnerable high-alert medications. On the contrary, the review should encourage healthcare providers to evaluate their current double check systems to ensure they are designed for success, as outlined in our newsletter article (Institute for Safe Medication Practices, 2019) and summarized in Table 1 (see below).
Given the extent to which double checks are embedded as part of routine nursing practice, and the considerable costs involved, we agree there is a compelling reason to establish a sound evidence base for the ongoing use of double checks and to inform decisions about when and how they might be most effective to improve medication safety. While one may argue that the current evidence for independent double checking is imperfect, ISMP stands behind the recommendation that, when employed judiciously, conducted properly, and bundled with other strategies, manual independent double checks can be part of a valuable defense to prevent potentially harmful errors from reaching patients (Institute for Safe Medication Practices, 2019). *
From the September 26, 2019 issue of the ISMP Medication Safety Alert! Acute Care Edition.
Table 1: ISMP Recommendations for Manual Independent Double Checks
| Use independent double checks judiciously |
| · Independent double checks should only be used for very select high-risk tasks, vulnerable patients, or select high-alert medications that most warrant their use.
· ISMP does NOT recommend the use of an independent double check for all high-alert medications, all vulnerable patients (e.g., pediatrics), or all high-risk tasks. · Lack of time to carry out the checking process properly is a strong, recurring theme in studies of failed independent double checks and staff resistance to this strategy. · Fewer independent double checks strategically placed at the most vulnerable points of the medication use process will be more effective than an overabundance of independent double checks. |
| Conduct double checks independently |
| · An independent double check requires two people to separately check the targeted components of the work process, without knowing their colleague’s results.
· If the double check is conducted independently, it reduces the risk of confirmation bias that may occur if the same person prepares and checks a medication. · Two people working independently are less likely to make the same mistake; if they work together or suggest what the checker should find, both could follow the same path to an error. |
| Avoid sole reliance on independent double checks |
| · Independent double checks can sometimes fail, especially since the process depends on one fallible person assessing another fallible person’s work; thus, avoid sole reliance on this strategy.
· Do not use independent double checks as a means of fixing problems when more fundamental system redesign is needed to prevent errors. · Higher leverage strategies (e.g., use of barriers, computer alerts with hard stops, standardization, barcode scanning) should be considered first. |
| Conduct a cognitive review of the medication |
| · Analysis of failed independent double-check processes suggest that double checking often becomes a superficial, routine task, and people may lose sight of its importance.
· What is often missing in the independent double-check process is the firm belief that everyone—even the most trusted and reliable staff member—is fallible, and a more cognitive review of all components of the medication is necessary. · Effective checking requires critical thinking beyond verification of the “five rights.” Is the drug appropriate for the patient? Does the drug’s indication match the patient’s diagnoses or conditions? Is the dose appropriate for this patient? These questions and more need to be answered independently. |
| Standardize the process and provide tools |
| · Variations in how independent double checks are carried out abound, and compliance with all the steps in the process is often inconsistent.
· To reduce inconsistencies, establish a standard process for carrying out an independent double check and ensure that adequate resources are available to follow this process. · Educate staff about the importance of independent double checks and how to carry them out properly, not as a superficial task or “cosigning” requirement, but as a vital cognitive task. · Make it easy for practitioners to follow and document the independent double-check process without relying on vigilance and memory (e.g., checklists [electronic or paper]) as a reminder of the components of certain critical processes and/or medications that should be checked. |
Source: Institute for Safe Medication Practices, 2019.
References
Douglass, A. M., Elder, J., Watson, R., Kallay, T., Kirsh, D., Robb, W. G., … Coil, C. J. (2018, January). A randomized controlled trial on the effect of a double check on the detection of medication errors. Ann Emerg Med, 71(1), 74–82.
Härkänen, M., Ahonen, J., Kervinen, M., Turunen, H., & Vehviläinen-Julkunen, K. (2015, June). The factors associated with medication errors in adult medical and surgical inpatients: A direct observation approach with medication record reviews. Scand J Caring Sci, 29(2), 297–306.
Institute for Safe Medication Practices (2019). Independent double checks: Worth the effort if used judiciously and properly. ISMP Medication Safety Alert! 24(11), 1–6. Retrieved from www.ismp.org/node/8884
Koyama, A. K., Maddox, C. S., Li, L., Bucknall, T., & Westbrook, J. I. (2019, August 7). Effectiveness of double checking to reduce medication administration errors: A systematic review. BMJ Qual Saf 2019 [Epub ahead of print]. Retrieved from https://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2019/08/07/bmjqs-2019-009552.full
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2019). Study quality assessment tools. Retrieved from www.ismp.org/ext/308