Lecturer
5W 3.19
Email: k.l.james@bath.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1225 38 6114
Dr Lynette James
Profile
I am interested in medicines safety in particular medication errors in secondary care. I have worked in collaboration with the All Wales Dispensary Project Group of the Chief Pharmacists Committee on the All Wales Dispensing Error Risk Reduction Programme funded by the Welsh Assembly Government Pharmacy Practice Development Scheme. This project investigated the incidence, types and causes of dispensing errors reported by Welsh hospitals to the UK Dispensing Error Analysis Scheme database. The project also developed and employed the critical incident technique to evaluate the causes of dispensing errors in accordance with Human Error Theory.
I have investigated the impact of installing original pack automated dispensing systems on dispensing errors in hospital pharmacy. With funding from the Pharmacy Practice Research Trust Galen award and the Welsh Assembly Government, I investigated the impact of workload, interruptions and workplace stressors on the occurrence of dispensing errors in hospital pharmacies with automated and manual dispensing systems. This work lead to the development of workforce planning models centred on minimising dispensing errors.
I am interested in the process of accuracy checking dispensed medicines. Previous research undertaken has involved exploratory work with pharmacy technicians and pharmacists in NHS hospitals to elucidate their process of accuracy checking dispensed medicines, strategies used to aid error detection and the development of these accuracy checking skills. I have also undertaken an evaluation of pharmacy undergraduate students’, pre-registration pharmacy graduates’ and pharmacists’ competence and understanding of accuracy checking dispensed medicines using simulated accuracy checking exercises (assessment of competence) and concept mapping.
I have also undertaken research on the safety of prescribing of antibiotics and insulin. Furthermore, I am interested in medication administration errors and nurse knowledge and adherence to medication administration guidelines.
Publications
Anto, B., James, K.L., Barlow, D., Brinklow, N., Oborne, C.A. and Whittlesea, C., 2013. Exploratory study to identify the process used by pharmacy staff to verify the accuracy of dispensed medicines. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 21 (4), pp. 233-242.
James, K. L., Barlow, D., Bithell, A., Hiom, S., Lord, S., Oakley, P., Pollard, M., Roberts, D., Way, C. and Whittlesea, C., 2013. The impact of automation on pharmacy staff experience of workplace stressors. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 21 (2), pp. 105-116.
James, K. L., Barlow, D., Bithell, A., Hiom, S., Lord, S., Pollard, M., Roberts, D., Way, C. and Whittlesea, C., 2013. The impact of automation on workload and dispensing errors in a hospital pharmacy. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 21 (2), pp. 92-104.
James, K. L., Barlow, D., Bithell, A., Burfield, R., Hiom, S., Lord, S., Pollard, M., Roberts, D., Way, C., Sutton, C. and Whittlesea, C., 2011. Measuring dispensary workload: a comparison of the event recording and direct time techniques. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 19 (4), pp. 264-275.
James, K. L., Barlow, D., Burfield, R., Hiom, S., Roberts, D. and Whittlesea, C., 2011. Unprevented or prevented dispensing incidents: which outcome to use in dispensing error research? International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 19 (1), pp. 36-50.
James, K. L., Davies, J. G., Kinchin, I., Patel, J. P. and Whittlesea, C., 2010. Understanding vs. competency: the case of accuracy checking dispensed medicines in pharmacy. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 15 (5), pp. 735-747.
James, K. L., Barlow, D., McArtney, R., Hiom, S., Roberts, D. and Whittlesea, C., 2010. Incidence, type and causes of dispensing errors: A review of the literature. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 17 (1), pp. 9-30.
James, K. L., Barlow, D., Hiom, S., Roberts, D. and Whittlesea, C., 2008. Development and use of the critical incident technique in evaluating causes of dispensing incidents. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 16 (4), pp. 239-249.
James, K. L., Barlow, D., Burfield, R., Hiom, S., Roberts, D. and Whittlesea, C., 2008. A study of unprevented dispensing incidents in Welsh NHS hospitals. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 16 (3), pp. 175-188.
