Barriers to safe medication administration in the nursing home--exploring staff perceptions and concerns about the medication use process.

The purpose of this study was to explore staff perceptions and concerns about the medication use process in the nursing home setting. A total of 76 staff members from 5 nursing homes in 3 Midwestern states participated in key informant interviews and focus groups. Common themes included issues related to communication, competing demands, and the challenges of a paper-based medication administration record. Concerns frequently were associated with the timeliness and accuracy of the medication administration process. Recognition of staff concerns are an important first step in improving the nursing home medication use process. Staff insight provided clarification related to impediments to safe medication practices. This study provides insight into how technology can improve the nursing home medication use process.