EVALUATION OF MEDICATION ERRORS AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGH ALERT MEDICATIONS: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Dr. Rona Sudhakar*, Dr. Athira Thomson, Dr. Vinson Achankunju and Dr. Sheik Haja Sherief

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The objective of the current study is to reduce the number of prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering and documentation errors. To educate health care professionals regarding high alert medications and to standardize care process: double sign and double check at the time of dispensing and administration. Methods: A Prospective observational study was conducted in all the departments at a tertiary care hospital, North India. The case sheets of patients were reviewed on a daily basis and observed for any medication errors. The staffs were educated on the importance of proper use of medications. Result: During the study period of 4 months, 1000 prescriptions were examined, out of which 216 medication errors were found. Among them, administration errors (26.8%), dispensing errors (14.8%), prescription errors (58.3%). Missed dose (72%) and incomplete prescription (51%) were the most common medication errors. Conclusion: Reducing the number of medication error is vital in order to prevent harm to patients. Development of proper awareness programmes to nurses and other healthcare professionals may help to reduce the frequency of errors. Clinical pharmacist plays an important role in the management of high alert medication errors (HAM).

Keywords: HAM- high alert medications, MAR- Medication Assessment Record.