According to Daughton, a researcher at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Indeed, deaths from medication errors occurring both in and out of hospitals exceed 7,000 annually in the United States -- exceeding those from workplace injuries" (2003, p. 757).
Tertiary healthcare facilities and other healthcare providers have identified some effective methods for reducing the number of medication errors through the use of technology, improving processes, targeting those types of specific medication errors that result in harm to patients, and promoting an organizational culture of safety (Meadows, 2003). One approach that has been shown to be particularly effective has been the use of bar codes and scanners together with computerized patient information systems; in these settings, bar code technology can help to prevent a number of different types of medication errors, including administering the wrong drug or dose, or administering a drug to a patient with a known allergy (Meadows, 2003). In fact, the nation's largest healthcare provider, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has implemented the use of bar codes at all of its 152 medical centers and the impact has been an impressive reduction in the number of medication errors. According to Meadows, "For example, the VA medical center in Topeka, Kan., has reported that bar coding reduced its medication error rate by 86% over a nine-year period" (2003, p. 21).
The research to date has also demonstrated that Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) represents an effective approach for reducing medication errors. This technology uses a computer system that frequently includes hand-held peripherals to allow healthcare providers to directly enter medication orders into the hospital's computer system instead of using paper or oral communications which are prone to misinterpretation (Meadows,...
First of all, there must be a paradigm shift in the patient-provider relationship, one being to "allow and encourage patients to take a more active role in their own medical care" via some type of partnership between a patient and his/her physician. This could be accomplished by better communication via physicians "fully informing their patients about the risks, contraindications and possible side effects" of all medications ("Preventing Medication Errors,"
Risk Management Within a Healthcare Environment Medication errors and falls are among the top events that can cause harm to patients, and consequently, increase the costs of hospitalization. In a healthcare environment, a professional nurse can be liable for damages if her conduct is below the standard of care, which cause injuries to patients. This paper explores the concept of falls, medication errors, and nursing liability. The study recommends how nurses
(Institute for Safe Medication Practices) Many medication errors by the patient occur because they do not know about the drugs they are taking. Nurses can help to identify these gaps and provide education and written materials for the patient. Medication errors could be greatly reduced if the patient was taught to: 1. Inform doctors of all allergies and any previous reactions to drugs 2. Ask the doctors and pharmacist about prescribed medications in
Identifying Opportunities to Reduce Medication Error Rates by Nursing Staff Today, one of the most challenging problems facing nurses practicing in any setting, but most especially tertiary healthcare facilities, is the adverse drug reactions caused by medication errors. Although medication errors can occur at numerous stages of care during hospitalization and outpatient follow-up, nurses are on the front lines in preventing these errors (Da Silva & Krishnamurthy, 2016). This is an
Errors are unavoidable in our everyday routines. Numerous mistakes are part of the changing cycle of psychological-behavioral adjustments that lead to appropriate behavioral abilities. The following of medical directions is an essential element of the healing process, as is medical experience. But it is the most critical factor in healthcare success. In addition, it plays a vital role in patient safety. With the recent advancements in medicine, many prescription medicines
Medication Errors in an ICU Unit Medication Errors -- Including Look-Alike and Sound-Alike Drugs -- in an ICU Unit Medication errors can and do occur in the ICU unit, and they often come from look-alike and sound-alike medications that can easily get mixed up. When a nurse or other health care professional gives a medication to a patient, that professional should be absolutely certain the medication is the right one, and in
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now