A Retrospective Observational Study on Impact of Medication Errors and Its Severity in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in India

Abstract

To explore and estimate the frequency of medication error, a study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital of East India. The medication error can be divided into Prescribing errors, Dispatching Error, Drug Administration Errors, and Indenting Errors. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and nature of medication errors; to explore the causes and to study corrective actions for such medication error. Identifying and evaluating the failures of medication errors and its severity analysis in a Tertiary care teaching hospital, Kolkata and suggesting solutions on reducing medication errors. It is a prospective study of patients receiving medication during treatment. The techniques that were used to identify the medication errors the study was carried out in a Tertiary Care 320 bedded Teaching hospital at Kolkata. Data was taken from Medication Error reporting form and medicine card of patients. Proper monitoring and capturing of medication error data has been initiated. Staff has been counselled and sensitized regarding safe medication practices and proper reporting of medication errors. Regular training on medication error has been conducted by Clinical Pharmacy Department, which improve the knowledge of monitoring, capturing, reporting and prevention of medication errors by the physicians, nurses, and clinical pharmacist. Key words: Medication errors, Administration errors, Medication Safety, Adverse drug reaction, Dispensing Error, Prescription Error