Nursing Strategies and Safety Devices for Preventing Parenteral Therapy–Related Iatrogenesis in Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14419/dz8dbw05Published
14-06-2026Keywords:
Parenteral Therapy; Medication Safety; Nursing Practice; Safety Devices; Low- and Middle-Income CountriesAbstract
Background: Parenteral therapy is a high-risk component of clinical care because injectable and infused medicines bypass physiological barriers, enabling rapid harm when errors occur. In low- and middle-income countries [LMICs], these risks may be intensified by staffing constraints, limited device availability, weak reporting systems, and inconsistent infection prevention infrastructure.
Objective: This scoping review mapped evidence on parenteral therapy–related iatrogenic risks, safety devices, and medication administration technologies, and nursing and system-level determinants of safer parenteral therapy implementation in LMICs.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidance. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL were searched for English-language publications from 2010 to 2026. Additional sources were identified through citation searching, professional guidance, and relevant reference lists. 71 studies met the inclusion criteria; 68 were mapped to one or more review objectives, while 3 studies supported methodological, conceptual, or background framing. Evidence was synthesized using narrative synthesis and evidence mapping, guided by the SEIPS socio-technical systems framework.
Results: The review found that Iatrogenesis spanned all clinical phases, including preparation errors, glass particulate contamination, wrong infusion rates, catheter-related infections, and unsafe injection practices. These risks were exacerbated by heavy workloads and workflow interruptions. Safety devices addressed specific vulnerabilities: prefilled syringes reduced preparation complexity; filters mitigated particulate exposure; smart pumps reduced programming errors; and BCMA/eMAR systems strengthened verification. However, technology effectiveness depended on training, usability, workflow integration, procurement reliability, and institutional support.
Conclusion: Preventing parenteral therapy–related iatrogenesis in LMICs requires layered, context-sensitive implementation combining nursing competence, standardized protocols, robust infection prevention, safety devices, and organizational governance.
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