Medication errors are a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. They can occur at any stage of the medication use process, from prescribing to administration. Medication errors can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Poor communication between healthcare providers
- Illegible handwriting
- Misinterpretation of abbreviations
- Faulty equipment
- Human error
Medication errors can be prevented by implementing a number of strategies, which typically fall under three categories – prevention, detection, and mitigation – and include:
- Using standardized prescribing and dispensing practices
- Using computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems
- Using barcode medication administration (BCMA) systems
- Providing patient education on medication safety
- Reporting and analyzing medication errors
By taking these steps, healthcare providers can help to prevent medication errors and ensure that patients receive the medications they need safely and effectively.
