A nursing evaluation of unit dose and computerized medication administration records.

A nursing evaluation of the unit dose system and a computerized medication administration record (MAR) was conducted to determine satisfaction with and perceptions of the effectiveness of these programs. A Nursing Evaluation Questionnaire was used to document nurses' attitudes towards the new programs. Of 228 questionnaires distributed on eleven nursing units, 152 were returned (response rate 66.7%). Full-time registered nurses represented 73.7% of the respondents, part-time 21% and casual 5.3%. Of the 152 respondents, 86.6% reported at least "some" time savings preparing and administering medications with the unit dose system, with 57% of this group reporting "significant" time savings. Unit dose was considered a safer distribution system by 82% of the respondents. Almost all of the respondents (99.3%) would choose to work with the unit dose system. Of the 152 respondents, 86% reported the computerized MAR decreased time spent charting medications administered, with half of this group reporting "significant" time savings. The computerized MAR was considered a safer charting method by 74% of the respondents. All of the respondents (100%) would choose to work with the computerized MAR. The evaluation indicated the unit dose system and computerized MAR were well accepted by nursing staff and were perceived to be working effectively.