Prospective systemic risk analysis of the dispensing process in German community pharmacies

Abstract

This analysis not only detected various potential safety issues concerning the dispensing in Germany but also strongly indicated that application of failure mode and effects analysis could be highly effective in prospective risk reduction in community pharmacies.

Application of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) to improve medication safety: a systematic review

“…We found that FMEA is a valuable prospective analytical method that can be applied to most of the processes in healthcare. According to our study, FMEA can be successfully applied to evaluate the safety of existing procedures, 13 24 26 27 16-22 30–33 35 36 39–42 44–46 process changes 43 and assess the implementation of new policies. 29 Furthermore, we encountered studies which employed FMEA to evaluate the impact of different situations such as drug shortages 25 and to select the best choice over two alternatives.…”

“…Most studies had successfully implemented corrective measures after having FMEA discussions. 13 15–33 35–37 39–42 44–46 Although every single healthcare process has its own inherent risks, it is well known that areas such as chemotherapy, neonatology and paediatrics are areas that are more vulnerable to hazards. We learnt from the present systematic review that FMEA was effectively and widely used in such areas.…”

“…13 However, large groups were divided into groups having less than 10 per each group. All studies had groups comprising of front-line staff while most also 13 16 18–25 27 29–38 41 42 44–46 had administrative or middle-level management in their groups. Some studies 13 had suggested that FMEA groups should also include end users of that particular service of interest.…”

“…Furthermore, it was found that having a large multidisciplinary group reduces biasness and the unavoidable subjectivity of FMEA. 13 16 18 22 26 30 33 37 42 43 46…”

“…Furthermore, healthcare professionals should practice professional communication among each other and with patients. 18 19 33 35 36 Moreover, continuous professional education and training is important in reducing possible failures in healthcare systems. 18 20 23 27 30 32 37 45 Developing standard guidelines was also a suggested recommendation for avoiding failures.…”