Adverse drug event

Adverse drug event (ADE) refers to any injury resulting from the use of a drug. This includes medication errors, adverse drug reactions, allergic reactions, and overdoses. ADEs can occur in any healthcare setting, including hospitals, long-term care settings, and outpatient settings.

Definition

An Adverse drug event is defined as harm experienced by a patient as a result of exposure to a medication. The term encompasses a broad range of drug-related issues including adverse drug reaction, medication errors, and overdoses. It is important to note that ADEs are not always the result of an error, and can occur even with appropriate use of medication.

Classification

ADEs can be classified into two main categories: preventable and non-preventable. Preventable adverse drug events are those that could have been avoided through the use of appropriate care, while non-preventable ADEs are those that could not have been avoided, even with optimal care.

Causes

The causes of ADEs are multifactorial and can include patient-related factors, drug-related factors, and healthcare system-related factors. Patient-related factors can include age, gender, and comorbidities. Drug-related factors can include the type of drug, the dose, and the duration of use. Healthcare system-related factors can include the complexity of the healthcare system, the lack of effective communication among healthcare providers, and the lack of effective systems for medication reconciliation.

Prevention

Prevention of ADEs involves a multifaceted approach that includes patient education, provider education, and system-level interventions. Patient education can include teaching patients about their medications, including the potential side effects and interactions. Provider education can include training on safe prescribing practices and the use of clinical decision support systems. System-level interventions can include the implementation of electronic health records and medication reconciliation processes.

Impact

The impact of ADEs can be significant, leading to increased healthcare costs, increased length of hospital stay, and decreased quality of life. In some cases, ADEs can even be fatal.

See also

• Medication error
• Adverse drug reaction
• Pharmacovigilance

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