Medication Errors Analysis - Essay Example

The health sector across the world has developed various strategies for reducing medical errors and their effects (Becher and Chassin, 2010). These strategies are designed to reduce the increasing cases of medication errors and the impact of such errors on patients’ health.

To be certain that the correct drug in the right dosage and route is prescribed to the right person at the right time, health care professionals ought to adopt and make proper use of the Bar Code Label Rule. The Bar Code Label Rule requires the introduction of a bar code on specified biological products and drugs. The bar code is then used to scan drugs and equipment to ensure proper drug administration. Over years, the Bar Code Label Rule has demonstrated a significant contribution in zero-rating cases of medication errors. Additionally, educational training on the most effective ways of reducing medication errors is relatively critical to all health care professionals. Training on interventional risk management, emerging medical errors prevention, techniques can also be effective in reducing medication errors as well as promoting teamwork among health professionals.

To counter complications associated with drug name confusion, the health center ought to have a systematic and effective drug labeling mechanism. There is also a need for pharmaceutical companies to develop a workable labeling mechanism that will reduce confusion in drug administration. The pharmacy technicians should complete medication history on the medication forms to necessitate correct drug prescriptions. This would reduce cases of incorrect prescription as in the case of Darnell Mares who was given Topril instead of Topramax. Additionally, cooperation between all stakeholders in hospital settings is also effective in reducing medication errors. Pablo Garca has prescribed the drugs prescribed for Maria Garcia due to a lack of proper communication among health professionals

The health center should consider introducing the Computerized Physician Order Entry. This technique is relative very effective in reducing cases of medication errors. This technology entails direct entry of medication orders in a computer system rather than relying on the conventional ways of paper or verbal communication. This technology reduces chances of misinterpretation in decimal points, handwriting and abbreviation as the entire patient information is transformed into digital data. The technology will also help in reducing cases of confusion in administering drugs and treatment among patients. The technology also provides all the required information on potential drug complications (McFadden, Towell and Stock, 2011).

In conclusion, the concern and interest in medication errors and patient safety have become a matter of concern over the last few years. Despite the emerging challenges, the health system has developed various strategies aimed at countering completely the entire cases of medication errors. There is however a notable gap between the existing strategies and the implementation of medication error prevention strategies, creating room for further improvement. Read More