Medication error in geriatric population of an urban area and its relation with different factors influencing medication error

Abstract

Medication errors have been a matter of concern since the time we started using medicines. The frequency of these errors is influenced by a number of factors few of them were pretty obvious and few surprising. Keeping this in mind this research was designed and carried out in geriatric population of an urban area. We tried to evaluate the role of various factors which influence medication error in geriatric population.1-Primary objective was to estimate the frequency of medication error. 2-Secondary objective was to find out relation of different factors related to medication error. This is a cross sectional study which aims to estimate the frequency of medication error in 250 patients of geriatric age group (Age More Than 65 Years) residing in an urban area and factors related to medication error For this a questionnaire was prepared which had questions related to demographic details and few questions focused on knowing the factors that could have an influence on medication error. These factors were taken into consideration as per the previous studies which were done on medication error.It was found that more than 80% of patients thought that medication errors are only those incidents where they use a medication other than what was prescribed to them hence Patients were properly explained what medication error actually is e.g. they were told that even if they take the correct mediation in wrong dose, frequency or duration it accounts for medication error and after this they started recalling incidents when they have faced these errors. There responses were entered into these questionnaire/case record forms which were later analysed.The data was entered in MS excel and analysed using Epi Info software. The quantitative variables were analysed as frequency. Association between variables was analysed using chi square test. P value <0.05 was considered as significant .The incidence of medication error was found to be 53% and its frequency was higher in patients with greater number of medications, increasing number of chronic health conditions , while it was lower in patients with higher educational status ,those belonging to lower age groups and if doctor or pharmacist explained the medications to them. surprisingly its frequency was low in patients who could just identify their medication with their health condition. It was concluded that medication errors are common health related issue in patients of geriatric age group and a number of factors can influence its incidence. If these factors are properly addressed it will have a considerable impact on the morbidity and mortality associated with this problem.