Annotated Bibliography: Best Practices for Addressing the Issue of Medication Errors in Healthcare Organizations
Introduction: Medication errors are a serious issue in healthcare organizations, with potentially significant consequences for patients. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that includes medication management, training, communication, and technology. This annotated bibliography explores best practices for addressing medication errors in healthcare organizations.
- Bates, D. W., & Gawande, A. A. (2003). Improving safety with information technology. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(25), 2526-2534.
This article discusses the role of information technology in improving medication safety. The authors argue that computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems can reduce medication errors by improving the accuracy and completeness of medication orders, as well as by providing decision support and alerts. The article highlights the importance of integrating CPOE with other medication safety technologies, such as barcoding and electronic medication administration records (eMAR).
- Institute for Safe Medication Practices. (2014). Guidelines for preventing medication errors in pediatrics. Institute for Safe Medication Practices.
This document provides guidelines for preventing medication errors in pediatric patients. The guidelines focus on the importance of medication reconciliation, proper dosing, and communication between healthcare providers. The document also discusses the use of technology, such as computerized order entry systems and smart infusion pumps, to prevent medication errors in pediatric patients.
- National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention. (2014). Recommendations to enhance accuracy of medication histories at admission, transfer, and discharge in all practice settings. National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention.
This document provides recommendations for improving medication history accuracy at admission, transfer, and discharge in healthcare settings. The recommendations focus on the importance of obtaining a complete and accurate medication history, as well as the need for communication between healthcare providers and patients. The document also suggests the use of technology, such as electronic health records and pharmacy benefit managers, to improve medication history accuracy.
- Fong, E. A., Wilkie, D. J., Bechtel, G. A., & Huang, H. Y. (2015). Improving medication safety in long-term care facilities: A systematic review. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 16(6), 499-506.
This article presents a systematic review of interventions to improve medication safety in long-term care facilities. The review found that interventions such as pharmacist-led medication review and medication reconciliation, staff education and training, and the use of technology such as eMARs and CPOE systems can improve medication safety in long-term care facilities.
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2017). Medication reconciliation to prevent adverse drug events. Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
This article provides an overview of medication reconciliation as a tool for preventing adverse drug events. The article discusses the importance of medication reconciliation in reducing medication errors, as well as the process for conducting a medication reconciliation. The article also highlights the importance of communication between healthcare providers and patients in preventing medication errors.
Summary: Medication errors are a significant issue in healthcare organizations, with potentially serious consequences for patients. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that includes medication management, training, communication, and technology. Best practices for addressing medication errors include the use of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems, smart infusion pumps, and electronic medication administration records (eMAR), as well as pharmacist-led medication review and medication reconciliation, staff education and training, and improved communication between healthcare providers and patients. Healthcare organizations should also focus on improving medication history accuracy at admission, transfer, and discharge through the use of technology such as electronic health records and pharmacy benefit managers. By implementing these