The most common reasons for errors include failure to communicate drug orders, illegible handwriting, wrong drug selection chosen from a drop-down menu, confusion over similarly named drugs, confusion over similar packaging between products, or errors involving dosing units or weight. Finally, a major consequence of medication errors is that it leads to decreased patient satisfaction and a growing lack of trust in the healthcare system. In addition to the monetary cost, patients experience psychological and physical pain and suffering as a result of medication errors. The total cost of looking after patients with medication-associated errors exceeds $40 billion each year, with over 7 million patients affected. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of other patients experience but often do not report an adverse reaction or other complications related to a medication. Added to this is the high risk of interaction between substances.Įach year, in the United States alone, 7,000 to 9,000 people die due to a medication error. With the number of substances on the market, it is conceivable that mistakes can be made when practitioners prescribe or dispense drugs. To further complicate a practitioner's responsibility during patient care, there are thousands of health supplements, herbs, potions, and lotions used by the public regularly to treat their health problems.

This activity reviews the common causes of medication errors and discusses the interprofessional team's role in taking steps to minimize medication errors.Ĭlose to 6,800 prescription medications and countless over-the-counter drugs are available in the United States. In addition to the monetary cost, patients experience psychological and physical pain and suffering as a result of medication errors. The total cost of looking after patients with medication-associated errors exceeds $40 billion each year. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of other patients experience but often do not report an adverse reaction or other medication complications. Each year, in the United States alone, 7,000 to 9,000 people die as a result of a medication error. Added to this is the high risk of interaction between substances. With the number of substances on the market, it is conceivable that mistakes can be made when practitioners prescribe or dispense drugs. To further complicate a practitioner's responsibility during patient care, there are thousands of health supplements, herbs, potions, and lotions used by the public regularly to treat their health problems. Close to 6,800 prescription medications and countless over-the-counter drugs are available in the United States.

Medication