Prevention Measures for Medication Errors
Mona Phiouphilavanh
Baker University
The devastating effects of medication errors have left researchers scrambling for methods of improvement. Advanced technology, barcode technology, and verification of the medication process are examples of how we can try eliminating those errors. While applying these methods to the healthcare workplace, the results have shown much improvement. Researchers are left wondering-are there ways we can prevent medication errors completely? A single mistake may have devastating effects and any error is one too many. Whether a medical error results in no harm to the patient, or a fatality; measures must be scrutinized to ensure patient safety. According to Berdot, Roudot, Schramm, Katsahian, Durieux and Sabatier (2016), “Barcode assisted medication administration was found to decrease the number of administration errors observed by 54%” (p.4.2). This method has been proven to be effective in opening the door for more technological procedures in preventing medication errors. But there are other ways we may eliminate or greatly reduce errors by simply …show more content…
As with all of the methods-simple human error may occur. The absolute best ways of reducing medical errors begin before meeting the assigned patient. Education on the patient’s history should occur with the nursing report, and reading their patient information. Acknowledging the patient’s allergies, medications likes/dislikes, routines, etc. is a great start on providing error-less care. Familiarity is key for proper care. Understanding each drug’s norms, contraindications, side effects will be optimum for ensuring medication effectiveness. Assessing the work environment is also very important. Being mindful of the lighting and comfort level applies to the patient-and the healthcare personnel, as
Mona Phiouphilavanh
Baker University
The devastating effects of medication errors have left researchers scrambling for methods of improvement. Advanced technology, barcode technology, and verification of the medication process are examples of how we can try eliminating those errors. While applying these methods to the healthcare workplace, the results have shown much improvement. Researchers are left wondering-are there ways we can prevent medication errors completely? A single mistake may have devastating effects and any error is one too many. Whether a medical error results in no harm to the patient, or a fatality; measures must be scrutinized to ensure patient safety. According to Berdot, Roudot, Schramm, Katsahian, Durieux and Sabatier (2016), “Barcode assisted medication administration was found to decrease the number of administration errors observed by 54%” (p.4.2). This method has been proven to be effective in opening the door for more technological procedures in preventing medication errors. But there are other ways we may eliminate or greatly reduce errors by simply …show more content…
As with all of the methods-simple human error may occur. The absolute best ways of reducing medical errors begin before meeting the assigned patient. Education on the patient’s history should occur with the nursing report, and reading their patient information. Acknowledging the patient’s allergies, medications likes/dislikes, routines, etc. is a great start on providing error-less care. Familiarity is key for proper care. Understanding each drug’s norms, contraindications, side effects will be optimum for ensuring medication effectiveness. Assessing the work environment is also very important. Being mindful of the lighting and comfort level applies to the patient-and the healthcare personnel, as