Abstract

MEDICATION ERROR - A PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Bhojan Chitra*, Anna Wilson, Ann Mary Benjamin, Navya K. Antony, Snimi Slajan, Abirami P. and Deepthi V.

ABSTRACT

Medication errors are serious problems in health care and can be a source of morbidity, mortality and significant increase in health care costs. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of medication errors and categorize the errors based on the types and outcome of the event. A prospective observational study was conducted for a period of 6 months and a total of 132 patients were enrolled as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study was approved by the hospital ethical committee and written consent was obtained from all the patients involved in the study. In our study, the prevalence rate of medication errors was found to be 37.8%. Maximum number of patients were in the age group of 46-60 years (38%) and majority of errors was observed in General Medicine Department (46%). Antibiotics were found to be the chief category of drugs causing errors. Administration errors were predominantly found (60%) followed by prescribing errors (40%). 56% of the errors caused no harm and didn’t reach the patient. A collective and standardized effort is required in enhancing the reporting process to minimise the occurrence of errors. Computerizing the medication process system in hospital settings along with regular training and awareness campaigns among the health care professionals could help to reduce medication errors. If adequate measures are applied on time, better standard of care can be given which will ultimately improve the quality of life of the patient.

Keywords: Medication errors, Administration errors, Prescribing Errors, Antibiotics.