QSEN Profile - Rodney Hicks

Rodney Hicks, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP

UMC Health System Endowed Chair for Patient Safety Professor Co-Director, Center of Excellence for Patient Safety
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing
Lubbock, Texas

QSEN Expertise

Active patient safety researcher who has conducted more than 60 studies involving medication safety and other topics.  Has developed a doctoral level patient safety course and contributed to a graduate level patient safety course.  Lectures nationally and internationally on findings.

Competency Expertise

Safety, Informatics

Teaching Expertise

Curriculum development and clinical teaching

Research Expertise

Conducted more than 60 studies on medication errors.  Co leads certificate for health care change program.

Publications and Presentations

Hicks, R. W., Bray, C. O., Green, R., & Olson, K. K.. (2009). Fellowship in the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, ##(#), ###-###.

Alexander, D. C., Bundy, D. G., Shore, A. D., Morlock, L. L., Hicks, R. W., & Miller, M. R. (2009). Cardiovascular medication errors in children. Pediatrics, 124, 324-332.

Schein, J. R., Hicks, R. W., Nelson, W. W., Sikirica, V., & Doyle, J. D. (2009). Patient-controlled analgesia-related medication errors in the postoperative period. Causes and prevention. Drug Safety, 32(7), 549-559.

Robinson, Z. R., Hicks, R. W., Altmiller, G., & Bicknell, P. (2009). Nursing student medication errors involving tubing and catheters: A descriptive study. Nurse Education Today, ePUB March 31.

Guenter, P., Hicks, R. W., & Simmons, D. (2009). Enteral feeding misconnections: An update. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 24(3), 325-334.

Meissner, B. L., Nelson, W. W., Hicks, R. W., Sikirica, V., Gagne, J. J., & Schein, J. R. (2009). The rate and costs attributable to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia errors. Hospital Pharmacy, 44(4), 312.324.

Santell, J. P., Kowiatek, J. G., Weber, R., Hicks, R. W. & Sirio, C. (2009). Understanding medication errors related to computer entry. The American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 66(9); 843-853.

Hicks R. W., Heath, W. M., Sikirica, V., Nelson, W., & Schein, J. R. (2008). Medication errors involving patient-controlled analgesia. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 34(12), 734-742.

Wanzer, L. J., Hicks, R. W., Goeckner, B., & Cole, L. (2008). A focused review: Perioperative safe medication use. Perioperative Nursing Clinics, 3(4), 305-316.

Hicks, R. W., Jackson, D. G., & Becker, S. C. (2008). Understanding medication errors: A case study involving a urinary catheter implicated in a wrong route error. Urologic Nursing, 28(6), 454-459.

Pham, J. C., Story, J. L., Hicks, R. W., Shore, A. D., Morlock, L. L., Cheung, D. S., Kelen, G. D., & Pronovost, P. J. (2008). National study on the frequency, types, causes, and consequences of voluntarily reported emergency department medication errors. Journal of Emergency Medicine, ePUB.

Bundy, D. G., Rinke, M. L., Shore, A. D., Hicks, R. W., Morlock, L. L., & Miller, M. R. (2008). Medication errors in the ambulatory treatment of pediatric attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 34(9), 552-559.

Jones, K. J., Cochran, G., Skinner, A., Knudson, A., Xu, L., & Hicks, R. W. in Henriksen, K., Battles, J. B., Keyes, M. A., & Grady, M. L. (editors). (2008). The association between pharmacist support and voluntary reporting of medication errors: An analysis of MEDMARX® data. Advances in Patient Safety: New Directions and Alternative Approaches. The Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Guenter, P., Hicks, R. W., Simmons, D., Crowley, J., Joseph, S., Croteau, R., Pratt, N., & Vanderveen, T. (2008). Enteral feeding misconnections: A consortium position statement. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 34(5), 285-292.

Williams, T., Acton, C., & Hicks, R.W. (2008). Deploying med reconciliation. Nursing Management, 39(4), 54-57.

Hicks, R. W., Sikirica, V., Nelson, W., Schein, J. R., & Cousins, D. D. (2008). Medication errors involving patient controlled analgesia. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 65(5), 429-440.

Kfuri, T. A., Morlock, L. Hicks, R. W., & Shore, A. D. (2008). Medication errors in obstetrics. Clinics in Perinatology, 35(1), 101-117.

Chuo, J., & Hicks, R. W. (2008). Computer related medication errors in neonatal intensive care units. Clinics in Perinatology, 35(1), 119-139.

Lipshutz, A. K. M., Morlock. L. L., Shore, A. D., Hicks, R. W., Dy., S. M., Pronovost, P. J., & Winters, B. D. (2008). Medication errors associated with code situations in U.S. Hospitals. Direct and collateral damage. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 34(1), 46-56.

Zhan, C., Smith, S. R., Keyes, M. A., Hicks, R. W., Cousins, D. D., & Clancy. C. M. (2008). How useful are voluntary medication error reports? The case of warfarin-related medication errors. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 34(1), 36-45.

Hicks, R.W., Becker, S. C., & Chuo, J. (2007). A summary of NICU fat emulsion medication errors and nursing services: Data from MEDMARX®. Advances in Neonatal Care, 7(6), 299-308.

Hicks, R. W., Becker, S. C., Windel, P., & Krensicheck, D. (2007). Medication errors in PACU. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 22(6), 413-419.

Morss, S.M., Shore, A. D., Hicks, R. W., & Morlock, L. L. (2007). Medication errors with opioids: Results from a national reporting system. Journal of Opioid Management, 3(4), 189-194.

Brunetti, L., Santell, J.P., & Hicks, R. W. (2007). The impact of abbreviations on patient safety. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 33(9), 576-583.

Rinke, M. L., Shore, A. D., Morlock, L., Hicks, R. W., & Miller, M. R. (2007). Characteristics of pediatric chemotherapy medication errors in a national error reporting database. Cancer, 110(1), 186-195.

Cochran, G., Jones, K. J., Brockman, J., Skinner, A., & Hicks, R. W. (2007). Medication errors prevented by and associated with bar-code medication administration systems. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 33(5), 293-301.

Payne, C., Smith, C. R., Newkirk, L. E., & Hicks, R. W. (2007). Pediatric medication errors in the postanesthesia care unit: Analysis of MEDMARX data. AORN Journal, 85(4), 731-740.

Beyea, S. C., Simmons, D., & Hicks, R.W. (2007). Caution: Tubing misconnections can be deadly. AORN Journal, 85(3), 633-635.

Chuo, J., Lambert, G., & Hicks, R. W. (2007). Intralipid medication errors in the neonatal intensive care unit. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 33(2), 104-111.

Hicks, R. W., Becker, S. C., & Cousins, D. D. (2006). MEDMARX data report. A chartbook of medication error findings from the perioperative settings from 1998-2005. Rockville, MD: The US Pharmapoceia Center for the Advancement of Patient Safety.

Wanzer, L. J., & Hicks, R. W. (2006). Medication safety within the perioperative environment. In Fitzpatrick, J., Stone, P., and Hinton-Walker, P. (Eds). Annual Review of Nursing Research, 24, 127-155.

Hicks, R. W. (2006). Nurse’s spotlight – Case Studies: MEDMARX®. Newsline (Infusion Nurses Society), 28(3), 6, 12.

Hicks, R. W., Becker, S. C., & Cousins, D. D. (2006). Harmful medication errors in children: A five-year analysis of data from USP’s MEDMARX program. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 21(4), 290-298.

Zhan, C., Hicks, R. W., Blanchette, C. M., Keyes, M., & Cousins. D. D. (2006). Potential benefits and problems with computerized physician order entry: An analysis of a voluntary medication error reporting database. American Journal of Health-Systems Pharmacy, 63(4), 353-358.

Mikuls, T. R., Curtis, J. F. Allison, J. J., Hicks, R. W., & Saag, K. G. (2006). Medication errors with the use of allopurinol and colchicine: A retrospective study of a national, anonymous, Internet-accessible error reporting program. Journal of Rheumatology, 33(3), 562-566.

Wolf, Z. R., Hicks, R. W., & Serembus, J. F. (2006). Characteristics of medication errors made by students during the administration phase: A descriptive study. Journal of Professional Nursing, 22(1), 39-51.

Goeckner, B. L., Gladu, M., Bradley, J., Bibb, S. G., & Hicks, R. W. (2006). Differences in perioperative medication errors with regard to organization characteristics. AORN Journal, 83(2), 351-352, 355-362, 365-368.

Hicks, R. W., & Becker, S. C. (2006). An overview of intravenous-related medication administration errors as reported to MEDMARX, a national medication error reporting program. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 29(1), 20-27.

Santell, J. P., Hicks, R. W., & Cousins, D. D. (2005). MEDMARX data report: A chartbook of 2000-2004 findings from intensive care units and radiological services. Rockville, MD: The US Pharmacopeia Center for the Advancement of Patient Safety.

Gray, J., Hicks, R. W., & Hutchings, C. (2005). Antiretroviral medication errors in a national medication error database. Journal of AIDS care and STDs, 19(12), 803-812.

Santell, J. P., & Hicks, R. W. (2005). Medication errors involving pediatric patients. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 31(6), 348-353.

Santell, J. P., & Hicks, R. W. (2005). Medication errors involving geriatric patients. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 31(4), 233-238.

Hicks, R. W. (2005, April). Preventing medication errors in pediatrics. Outpatient Surgery Magazine, 78-79.

Hicks, R. W. (2005). The MEDMARX database. American Journal of Nursing (March 2005 supplement), 45.

Hicks, R. W., Santell, J. P., Cousins, D. D., & Williams, R.L. (2004). MEDMARX 5th anniversary data report. A chartbook of findings and trends, 1999 – 2003. Rockville, MD: United States Pharmacopeia Center for the Advancement of Patient Safety.

Jones, K., J., Cochran, G., Hicks, R. W., & Mueller, K. J. (2004). Translating research into practice: Voluntary reporting of medication errors in critical access hospitals. The Journal of Rural Health, 20(4), 335-343.

Hicks, R. W. (2004). Eliminating medication errors. Outpatient Surgery Magazine, 44-48 (July Supplement).

Niccolai, C. S. Hicks, R. W., Oertel, L, Francis, J. L. and the Heparin Consensus group (2004). Unfractionated heparin: Focus on a high-alert drug. Pharmacotherapy, 24(8), 146S-155S.

Santell, J. P., Cousins, D. D., Hicks, R .W., & Protzel, M. M. (2004). Pediatric population requires vigilance to ensure safety. Drug Topics, 148:HSE14.

Camp, S. C., & Hicks, R. W. (2004). Medication errors in the patient’s home. Drug Topics, 148, HSE14.

Hicks, R. W., Cousins, D. D., & Williams, R. L. (2004). Selected medication-error data from USP’s MEDMARX program for 2002. American Journal of Health-Systems Pharmacy, 61(10), 993-1000.

Beyea, S. C., Kobokovich, L. J., Becker, S. C., & Hicks, R. W. (2004). Medication errors in the LDRP identifying common errors through MEDMARXSM reporting. Lifelines, 8(2), 130-140.

Hicks, R. W., & Cousins, D. D. (2004). Preventing drug allergy errors: Nurses are making a difference. RN, 67(4), 80.

Hicks, R. W., Nelson, J., & Santell, J.P. (2004). Medication errors involving pre-printed order forms. Drug Topics, HSE 148.

Hicks, R. W., & Camp, S. (2004). Medication errors in the emergency department. Drug Topics, 148 (4), HSE 11.

Hicks, R. W., Becker, S. C., Krenzischeck, D., & Beyea, S. C. (2004). Medication errors in post-anesthesia care unit: A Secondary analysis of MEDMARX findings. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing, 19(1), 18-28.

Santell, J. P., Cousins, D. D., & Hicks, R. W. (2004). Medication errors involving geriatric patients. Drug Topics, 148(2), HSE 31-32.

Santell, J. P., Hicks, R. W., & Protzel, M. (2003). Annoyance aside, distractions spell trouble. RN, 66(12), 96.

Santell, J. P., Cousins, D. D., & Hicks, R. W. (2003). Top 10 products involved in drug errors Drug Topics, 147(24), HSE 23.

Hicks, R. W., Cousins, D. D., & Williams, R. L. (2003). Summary of information submitted to MEDMARX in the year 2002. The quest for quality. Rockville, MD: US Pharmacopeia Center for the Advancement of Patient Safety.

Santell, J. P., Cousins, D. D., & Hicks, R. W. (2003). Distractions contribute to medication errors. Drug Topics, 147(22), HSE 42.

Santell, J. P., Cousins, D. D., & Hicks, R. W. (2003). The dangers associated with vaccinations. Drug Topics. 147(20), HSE 16.

Santell, J. P., Hicks, R., & Protzel, M. (2003). Is your patient diabetic? Watch that insulin dose! RN, 66(10), 92.

Santell, J. P., Hicks, R. W., McMeekin, J., & Cousins, D. D. (2003). Medication errors: Experience of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) MEDMARX reporting system. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 43(7), 760-767.

Beyea, S. C., & Hicks, R. W. (2003). Patient safety first alert – Epinephrine and phenylephrine in surgical settings. AORN Journal, 77(4), 743-747.

Beyea, S. C., & Hicks, R. W. (2003). Oops – the patient is allergic to that medication. AORN Journal, 77(3), 653-654.

Beyea, S. C., Hicks, R. W., & Becker, S. C. (2003). Medication errors in day surgery – A secondary analysis of MEDMARX. Surgical Services Manager, 9(1), 65-76.

Beyea, S. C., Hicks, R. W., & Becker, S. C. (2003). Medication errors in the OR – A secondary analysis of MEDMARX. AORN Journal, 77(1), 125-129, 132-134.

Book Chapters

Hicks, R. W. (2008). Untitled work. In Green, J. Graduate Savvy: Navigating the World of Online Higher Education. Warrenton, VA: Glocal Press.

Hicks, R. W. (2002). Demystifying radiology for nurse practitioners in Goolsby, M.J. (ed.) Nurse Practitioner Secrets. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins.

Published Proceedings and Abstracts

Meissner, B. L., Hicks, R. W., Schein, J. R., & Sikirica, V. (2007). Costs of errors attributable to intravenous patient controlled analgesia – Focus on medication-related errors. Value in Health, 10(3), A174-A175

Whitney, P., Santell, J., Posse, C., Young, J., Hicks, R. W., & Fecht, B. (2004). Analysis of medication error reports. Proceedings of IMECE04. 2004 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. Anaheim, California.

Related Funding

2008	Development of a Predictor Model for Discharge Destination in Inpatient Rehabilitation Patients.  Co-Investigator with Jackson, J. P., & Whisner, S.  Funded by Allied Health Research Institute - $10,000.
2007	A Comparative Analysis of Medication Errors Between Ready to Use and Ready to Mix Parenteral Products.  Co-Investigator with Diane D. Cousins.  Funded by Baxter - $ (Confidential).
2005-06	An Analysis of Medication Error Records Involving Patient Controlled Analgesia and Other Pain Modalities as Reported to USP’s MEDMARX® Program – A National Medication Errors Reporting Program.  Co-investigator with Diane D. Cousins.  Funded by: Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs - $ (Confidential).
2005-06	An Analysis of Medication Error Records Involving Albuterol and/or Ipratropium as Reported to a National Medication Error Reporting Program.  Co-investigator with Diane D. Cousins.  Funded by Dey Laboratories, LLP - $ (Confidential).
2002-05	Improving Care Through Analysis of Pediatric Medication Error Data.  Co-investigator with Diane D. Cousins.  Funded by The Program on Health Outcomes (PHO) of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTs) - $ (Confidential).

1998-2000

Development of Competency for the Nursing Practice Act.  Co-investigator with Carolyn L. Cason, Ferne Kyba, and Edith Summerlin.  Funded by Texas Board of Nurse Examiners - $100,000.