Using a Delphi Method to Identify Human Factors Contributing to Nursing Errors

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify human factors associated with nursing errors. DESIGN Using a Delphi technique, this study used feedback from a panel of nurse experts (n = 25) on an initial qualitative survey questionnaire followed by summarizing the results with feedback and confirmation. METHODS Synthesized factors regarding causes of errors were incorporated into a quantitative Likert‐type scale, and the original expert panel participants were queried a second time to validate responses. FINDINGS The list identified 24 items as most common causes of nursing errors, including swamping and errors made by others that nurses are expected to recognize and fix. The responses provided a consensus top 10 errors list based on means with heavy workload and fatigue at the top of the list. CONCLUSIONS The use of the Delphi survey established consensus and developed a platform upon which future study of nursing errors can evolve as a link to future solutions. This list of human factors in nursing errors should serve to stimulate dialogue among nurses about how to prevent errors and improve outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Human and system failures have been the subject of an abundance of research, yet nursing errors continue to occur.