[Assessment, frequency, causes, and prevention of medication errors - a critical analysis].
Medication errors are responsible for up to 50% of errors in healthcare. Therefore, they are an important target for the improvement of patient safety. The application of evidence-based methods for the analysis of institution-specific medication safety hotspots is crucial. Recommended methods for the identification of medication safety problems have individual strengths and weaknesses, but there is little overlap. Consequently, a combination of methods is recommended. While the analysis of critical incident reporting systems preferentially identifies serious medication errors, trigger tool represents an effective and cost-efficient approach. Evidence-based data for improvement methods is limited. However, the implementation of clinical pharmacy services, IT tools (electronic prescribing, barcoding) and standardized double-check showed a significant impact on error reduction. In addition, the support of institutional leadership is an important prerequisite.
Stiftung für Patientensicherheit, Schweiz, Zurich. meyer@patientensicherheit.ch
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D015984:Causality; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D061214:Patient Safety / Q000592:standards; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013557:Switzerland; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis
D055553:Prescription Drugs