Dissertation
Standardized Medication Cart Organization to Improve Safety and Efficiency
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2026
Abstract
Background: Medication errors occur in up to 5% of anesthetic cases and are more likely in high-acuity, high-distraction environments such as the operating room. Non-standardized medication storage in anesthesia medication carts can contribute to delays in medication retrieval and increase the potential for selection errors. Standardizing medication organization may improve efficiency and promote safer medication practices. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the impact of implementing a standardized medication cart organization system in the operating room on medication safety, medication retrieval efficiency, and anesthesia provider satisfaction at a Midwest community hospital. Methods: This quality improvement project utilized the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework. A standardized medication cart layout was developed in collaboration with anesthesia providers, nursing staff, and pharmacy personnel. Emergency medication retrieval times for five commonly used medications (epinephrine, atropine, calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and albuterol) were measured before and after implementation. Surveys using a 5-point Likert scale assessed anesthesia provider and operating room nurse perceptions of medication organization, safety, efficiency, and satisfaction. Findings: Cart standardization compliance reached 83% at one week, 67% at six months, and 100% at eight months following implementation. The average emergency medication retrieval time decreased by 57.6% across all medications. Survey results demonstrated improved perceptions of medication organization, safety, efficiency, and overall satisfaction among both anesthesia providers and nursing staff, with median improvements across survey domains. Discussion: Standardizing medication cart organization improved medication retrieval efficiency and provider perceptions of safety and workflow. These findings suggest that structured medication storage systems may enhance operating room medication safety and efficiency. Ongoing pharmacy oversight and integration of standardized layouts into routine practice may support long-term sustainability of these improvements.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Standardized Medication Cart Organization to Improve Safety and Efficiency
- Creators
- Meredith Hummell - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Kathleen Fear (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Date degree season
- Spring 2026
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2026 Meredith Hummell
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9985217065002771
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