[Risk of infection due to contamination of medicines].
After minor surgery in a hospital, 7 patients suffered serious infectious complications. Microbiological analysis revealed an infection caused by contamination of the intravenous anaesthetic propofol. Several studies have shown that the administration of intravenous medication is a risky process that is prone to errors; these errors can result in harm to the patient. Within the Dutch project 'Safe medical care', the intravenous administration of medication has been chosen as one of the ten most important areas in which to patient safety can be improved. To enhance patient safety it is important to identify the separate steps that are the most prone to error, based on a good risk analysis. A systematic and coordinated approach is crucial for success in this process.
Meulenhoff
P C W Willem
PC
Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Apotheek, divisie Laboratoria en Apotheek, Utrecht, The Neterlands. w.meulenhoff@umcutrecht.nl
van Reij
E M L Liesbeth
EM
Egberts
Toine C G
TC
D019985:Benchmarking; D004340:Drug Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D009426:Netherlands; D012308:Risk Management; D017751:Safety Management; D017749:Total Quality Management