Medication Error Prevention

• Thomas L. Rodziewicz; Benjamin Houseman; John E. Hipskind. (May 2022). Medical error reduction and prevention. National Library of Medicine. Medical Error Reduction and Prevention - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

This article from the National Library of Medicine gives an overview of medication errors and the harm it causes patients, as well as the psychological effects on health care workers. It also discusses some of JCAHO's patient safety goals to assist in acquiring a safer environment for patients and providers. This is important to this organization because JCAHO guides our practice for patient safe. This article provides and equips staff with knowledge of medication errors and ways to prevent them.

• Manouchehr, S. (June 2020). Avoiding medication errors. US Pharmacist, 45(6), 10-11. https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/avoiding-medication-errors

This article from U.S. Pharmacist discusses medication error harm and administration rights, as well as reviews safety strategies in medication administration. One useful strategy in this source was double checking medications prior to administration. This tactic was also discussed in the organization meeting about ensuring safe patient care with medication administration. Nurses can use this source as a reminder of policy changes for safe medication practice.

• MacDowell, P., Cabri, A., and Davis, M. (March 2021). Medication administration errors. PS Net. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/medication-administration-errors

This article from the Patient Safety Network focuses is on collaborating within the team by utilizing effective communication and to reduce errors. Throughout the article, prevention is considered key to success with interventions to promote preventions of errors. The article goes on to list strategies that nurses can utilize for safe practice as "low-tech" and "high-tech". "Low-tech" being simple but effective things like communicating with staff, patient education, and medication rights. "High-tech" being the use of ADCs to prevent error. This article can enable staff in the organization to prevent errors and understand how proper ADC use can minimize patient harm.

• Pruthi, S. (September 2020). Medication errors: cut your risk with these tips. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/medication-errors/art-20048035

This article from the Mayo Clinic reviews common causes of medication administration errors and their potential risks. Tips and safe practice strategies to increase patient safety. This article can be beneficial in the organization so nurses can understand the risks of medication errors so they can be prevented. Professional honesty is also discussed, with the nurse's integrity as priority.