Preventing Medication Error

Haw, C., Stubbs, J. and Dickens, G. (2014). Barriers to the reporting of medication administration errors and near misses: an interview

Amends the Public Health Service Act to make medication error information privileged for Federal and State administrative and civil judicial proceedings if the information is voluntarily submitted by a health care provider to a program, approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, for the purpose of developing and disseminating recommendations and information regarding preventing such errors (Medication Error Prevention Act, 2000).

Medication errors are defined as faults in drug prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, monitoring, ordering, and/or administration. These errors have significant potential for injuring or even killing a patient. Discussed below is an article that highlights the dangers of inaccurate drug administration.

As the number of medication errors continues to rise daily, I believe the need for continuous advocacy at government level for safer medication administration policies and systems are in desperate need. And who better than nurses to advocate for these needs. Since nurses are in an ideal position to influence and demand change, I would collaborate with other fellow nurses to call, set up meetings or writing letters to government officials addressing the prevalence and effects of medication errors. I would also request for safer medication administration system or software that are user friendly. Lastly I would reach out to the Board of Nursing about nurse’s license revocation after an error is committed and request for lesser punishment instead

In conclusion, in all healthcare settings medical errors occur but it doesn’t only effect the person responsible: all members of the healthcare team are affected. Pharmacy technicians are also capable of identifying any potential or actual errors and report it before the medication is distributed. Since patient safety is universal among all other healthcare practitioners is it important for them to advocate a safe and healing environment for patient

To create an environment where these errors are a rare occurrence, all healthcare professionals must dedicate themselves to implementing QSEN's six core competencies each and every day. These professionals must also speak up when they see room for improvement in their workplace. Regardless of the healthcare setting or demographic of patients, safe outcomes are the purpose of providing patient-centered care. Since nurses are the largest subgroup of healthcare professionals, their ability to make strides towards improved medication administration is undeniable. As the nursing code of ethics states, nurses have the duty to protect the health and safety of those in their care (Winland-Brown, Lachman, O'Connor Swanson, 2015). By taking extra caution to administer medications correctly, this honorable obligation will always be within

Recognizing, acknowledging, and understanding medication safety is important when administering medications. Understanding which medications are high-risk ones, being familiar with the medications being given, remembering the five most important rights when administering medications, communicating clearly, developing checking habits, and reporting the medication errors will lead to safe outcomes for the residents. However, errors do occur from a lack of experience, rushing, distractions, fatigue, doing too many things at once, not double checking, poor communication, and lack of team work. It is not only the staff that commit errors, but also the work environment that contributes to the medication error. Two examples are poor reporting systems

Härkänen, M., Voutilainen, A., Turunen, E., & Vehviläinen-Julkunen, K. (2016). Systematic review and meta-analysis of educational interventions designed to improve medication administration skills and safety of registered nurses. Nurse Education Today, 41, 36–43. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2016.03.017

issues to be able to prevent them from happening again and it helps to do a better job.

A Medication error is defined as any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is under the control of the health care professional, patient, or consume. Therefore, any form of error that arrives within the healthcare system is deemed unacceptable. Now by understanding what a medication error entails, nurses are better able to place emphasis on how to prevent medication errors.

Most of us probably cannot recall a world without internet, cellphones, and laptops. Technology has transformed the world we live in today. Undoubtedly, technology has changed the way health care is delivered. Electronic prescribing allows prescribers to send prescriptions electronically and directly to the pharmacy. E-prescribing has been demonstrated to reduce prescribing errors in outpatient settings.

Medication errors are preventable adverse events and costly to patients, insurance companies and health care organizations (Institute of Medicine, 2006). It is estimated that for every adverse drug event that occurs in a hospital, adds over 8,000 to the hospital stay (Institute of Medicine, 2006). One of the essential components in reducing medication error is a collaborative partnership with the patient and healthcare providers to facilitate communication. Patient education regarding risks, side effects, drug interactions and contraindications must be thoroughly reviewed with the patient (Institute of Medicine, 2006).

According to estimates, at least 1.5 million preventable medication errors and adverse drug events occur each year in the United States. One-third of all medication errors occur during the administration phase of medication delivery (Durham, 2015). Medication safety is freedom from preventable harm with medication use; therefore, nurses must promote patient safety by understanding their contributions to the prevention of medication error (Choo, Hutchinson, & Bucknall, 2010). Additionally, a medication error is any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the health care professional. Thus, to promote medication safety, nurses must understand their roles in proper medication management and identify challenges that associated with medication safety.

One of the pharmacist’s main goal is to provide individuals with knowledge about the medication they have been prescribed. If a pharmacist has 100% medical knowledge, I believe that an average person has roughly 5% knowledge regarding medication action, side effects, and contraindications. Most people only know what their

Clinical pharmacy is a health science discipline in which pharmacists provide patient care that optimizes medication therapy and promotes health, and disease prevention, according to American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP). Patient-oriented care requires specialized knowledge, skill and experience to improve quality of life of patient.