As standards for patient care continue to improve, so have the concerns over patient safety and medication errors. Pharmacy professionals must be aware of patient safety criteria and take active steps to decrease or prevent the occurrence of medication errors.
Related CE course for pharmacists: Patient Safety and Medication Errors for Pharmacy Professionals
History of patient safety and medication errors
The patient safety movement originated with the publication of the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) 1999 report, “To Err is Human.” This landmark publication highlighted the number of preventable deaths attributed to medical errors. It served as a significant turning point, bringing needed attention to the width and breadth of this issue in healthcare.
After the IOM report, the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) was established. The NPSG addressed topics like medication safety, infection prevention, and communication within healthcare settings
Patient safety: Prevent harm, limit risk
Patient safety has a two-pronged approach. First, it focuses on preventing harm to patients. Second, it takes steps to decrease the chances of unnecessary risk. In many facilities, specific processes and procedures ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare providers. These include key elements like:
- Open communication
- Teamwork
- Active learning
- Involving the patient in their own care
Engaging in patient safety practices is an ongoing commitment, requiring coordination between different disciplines and different departments.
Medication errors: A frequent issue
Medications errors are by far the most recognized and frequent causes of patient harm in healthcare. Globally, they contribute to about 5 to 41.3 % of hospital admissions and 22% readmissions after discharge.
Within the hospital setting, medication errors contribute to significant economic burden on both patients and the various healthcare institutions. As a result of the severity of the issue of medication errors, pharmacy professionals must always strive to be vigilant when it comes to identifying close calls.
Related CE course for pharmacists: Understanding the FDA’s Medication Safety Initiatives
Role of pharmacy professionals in promoting patient safety
Pharmacist act as a line of defense against medication errors. They can help ensure that patients receive the correct drug, dosage and directions for administration. Steps may include medication review and verification, providing patient counseling, engaging in clinical interventions, reporting potential errors, and working alongside other members of the healthcare team when it comes to managing medications.
