Medication error

Medication error refers to any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient, or consumer. Such events may be related to professional practice, health care products, procedures, and systems, including prescribing, order communication, product labeling, packaging, and nomenclature, compounding, dispensing, distribution, administration, education, monitoring, and use.

Causes

Medication errors can be caused by various factors, including health care professional errors, patient errors, and specific medication characteristics. Health care professional errors can include mistakes in prescribing, administering, or monitoring medication. Patient errors can include taking the wrong medication or the wrong dose, or not taking medication as prescribed. Medication characteristics that can contribute to medication errors include similar drug names, similar packaging, or complex dosing regimens.

Prevention

Preventing medication errors requires a comprehensive approach that includes all members of the health care team, patients, and their families. Strategies for prevention include improving communication among providers, using technology, educating patients and providers, and creating a culture of safety.

Impact

Medication errors can lead to significant patient harm, including adverse drug events, hospitalization, and even death. They also contribute to increased health care costs.

See also

• Adverse drug reaction
• Clinical pharmacy
• Drug interaction
• Pharmacovigilance
• Patient safety

References

Medication error Resources
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