The Impact of Medication Errors on Adverse Events: Assessing Preventable Harm and Patient Safety

Authors: Alanoud N. Alsubaie, Hamza F. Alsamanhodi, Nada S. Almakhlafi, Shatha M. Alhalwan, Abdullah M. Alhelwan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13326206

Short DOI: https://doi.org/gt65z2

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Abstract
Objective: This study examines the relationship between medication errors and adverse events, with a focus on preventable harm to patients. It aims to identify the prevalence of medication errors, their impact on patient safety, and effective interventions.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, including a quantitative analysis of 150 patient medical records and incident reports to quantify medication errors and their associations with adverse events. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 10 healthcare professionals to explore causes, challenges, and effective strategies for error prevention.
Results: The quantitative analysis revealed that "Wrong Dose" errors were significantly associated with severe adverse events. The qualitative findings identified communication breakdowns, complex medication regimens, and inadequate systems as major causes of medication errors. Challenges in error prevention included workload constraints, insufficient training, and technology limitations. Effective interventions included medication reconciliation, enhanced use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and improved team communication.
Conclusion: Medication errors are prevalent and closely linked to adverse events, with specific error types contributing to more severe outcomes. Addressing communication issues, simplifying medication regimens, and improving systems and processes are crucial for reducing errors. Effective interventions, including medication reconciliation and better team communication, are essential for enhancing medication safety.

Keywords: Medication errors, adverse events, patient safety, medication reconciliation, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), healthcare interventions.

Paper Id: 231016

Published On: 2017-04-02

Published In: Volume 5, Issue 2, March-April 2017

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