1.1 Medication Error

Question 1

What are some factors that could increase the rate of prescribing medication errors?

Answer 1

More rapid throughput of Patients
Increasing complexity of medical care 
Increased specialisation 
Increased use of medicines generally 
Sicker and older patients are more vulnerable to adverse effects 
New drug developments

Question 2

What are some of the issues that make elderly patients more complex?

Answer 2

Co-morbidities
Multiple drugs
Increased risk of side effects

Question 3

What is the person approach to medication errors?

Answer 3

Aberrant mental process

Countermeasures cantered on person which leads to fear retraining litigation and naming and shaming

Question 4

What is the system approach to medication errors?

Answer 4

Errors seenas consequences
Unable to change human condition
Countermeasures cantered on barriers and safeguards

Question 5

What is the Swiss cheese model?

Answer 5

There are multiple safeguards

Question 6

What should you confirm before writing a prescription?

Answer 6

Name of drug, dose, strength, frequency, duration of treatment, allergies and adverse effects, indication, adherence, GMC guidelines to prescribe within competencies

Question 7

What are some of the legal requirements required for prescriptions?

Answer 7

Written in le ink
Patient identification- name and address
DOB if under 12
Signed
Dated
Name and address of practitioner
Additional requirements for controlled drugs

Question 8

Some examples of what is good practice to include in a prescription?

Answer 8

Approved drugs name 
Route of administration
Dose
Strength
Units in gull
Frequency 
Additional instructions

Question 9

What should be reported using the yellow card scheme?

Answer 9

All suspected reactions to black triangle drugs and unlicensed herbal preparations, no matter how trivial
All suspected serious reactions to established products and vaccines
All paediatric reactions

Question 10

What is a black triangle drug?

Answer 10

One which is being intensively monitored 
generally 
- has been newly released
- changed indications 
- changed formulations 
- combination product

Question 11

What is a serious reaction?

Answer 11

Any reactions that results in or prolongs hospitalisation

Including fatal, life threatening, disabling or incapacitating reactions