Medicine administration errors

June 16, 2008

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This excellent recently published article brings together both history and recent guidance associated with drug errors. It is particularly relevant due to the recent NPSA interest in heparin errors.

Click here for the article on redorbit.com

Venkatraman R. and Durai R. (2008) Errors in medicine administration: how can they be minimised? Journal of perioperative practice. 18(6), p.249-253.

Abstract:

“Errors in medicine administration often go unnoticed and unreported. This article describes three medicine-related errors and provides recommendations to reduce risk. All medicinerelated errors should be reported locally and to the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) so that they can be collated and trends identified. Electronic prescribing and patient/medicine identification by bar codes, double checking and using colour coded syringes for intravenous and enteral administration, employing more clinical pharmacists and regular education may reduce medicine-related errors” (Venkatraman and Durai 2008).