Human factors methods to reduce medication error: using task analysis in a pediatric and adult pharmacy.
Medication error is an issue that no hospital is immune from, leading to 7,000 deaths and 1.3 million patient injuries each year. The purpose of this study was to decrease the risk and occurrence of medication errors by analyzing the hospital pharmacy. Task analyses were performed and it was found that communication, expectation, and procedural issues were leading to the occurrence of the most common type of medication error in the pharmacy. Recommendations were made to improve the process and reduce the occurrence of this type of error.
Psychology Department, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS3F5, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States. nwerner2@masonlive.gmu.edu
Nicole E
NE
Werner
Erik T
ET
Nelson
Deborah A
DA
Boehm-Davis
D003142:Communication; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D061214:Patient Safety; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017751:Safety Management; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis