When should error documentation be completed?

The correct approach is to complete error documentation before the end of the shift. This practice is essential for ensuring that all relevant details about the medication error are fresh in the mind of the person documenting it, which enhances the accuracy of the information provided. Timely documentation allows for proper follow-up actions to be taken, including notifying supervisory staff and ensuring that any necessary patient care adjustments are made promptly.

Documentation serves as a crucial tool for quality assurance and can help prevent future errors by contributing to a culture of safety within the facility. Completing it at the end of the week or at the start of the next shift would likely lead to missed details and could compromise the integrity of the record, as important events or context might be forgotten. Waiting 48 hours would introduce similar risks, as the sooner the documentation is completed, the more accurate and useful it will be for reviewing practices and implementing corrective measures.