Table 1 The four-step content analysis process
Meaning unit | Condensation | Main category | Sub-category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nurse finds an opened vial with sodium chloride solution on the tray “as it usually is” and injects 5 ml. Later, two unopened vials of sodium chloride solution and one opened vial of potassium chloride solution are found on the tray. | Nurse found an opened vial of sodium chloride. “As it usually is.” “No thought that it could be anything else” | Potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride | Medication error type | Wrong drug due to mix-up of drugs |
“I read on the vial, but I didn’t notice what it said.” “She didn’t notice of the small dose prescribed, but took it for granted that the patient should have an ordinary dose.” “I totally forgot about the medication.” | Did not pay attention to the content of the text Didn’t notice and took for granted Forgot to give the medicine to the patient | Insufficient attention Took for granted Forgot | Individual factor | Negligence, forgetfulness or lack of attentiveness |
“I was alone and the medication administration must be done at all the wards at the same time” | Alone with all administration at the same time | To much work to perform in insufficient time | System factor | Role overload |