Use of the Stay SAFE Interruption Management Strategy

BACKGROUND: Interruptions can increase risks for errors. The Stay SAFE interruption management strategy aims to mitigate errors. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to: (1) determine nursing students' interruption management behaviors before and at multiple assessments after learning Stay SAFE and (2) explore students' perceptions of Stay SAFE. METHODS: Four study sites were included. Data were collected over 10 months via direct observation, self-report, and semi-structured interviews. Prelicensure nursing students independently completed 8 simulated scenarios with embedded interruptions. Interruptions occurred during medication administration and handoff. RESULTS: Sixty students participated. A majority (93-100%) used Stay SAFE in the posttests. Three qualitative themes emerged: (1) Preparedness for interruptions, (2) Stay SAFE can lessen risks for errors, and (3) Stay SAFE has applicability in various contexts. CONCLUSIONS: Use of Stay SAFE may reduce errors and contribute to patient safety. Continued research on Stay SAFE is warranted.