1.1 Medication Error Flashcards
What are some factors that could increase the rate of prescribing medication errors?
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
What are some of the issues that make elderly patients more complex?
Co-morbidities
Multiple drugs
Increased risk of side effects
What is the person approach to medication errors?
Aberrant mental process
Countermeasures cantered on person which leads to fear retraining litigation and naming and shaming
What is the system approach to medication errors?
Errors seenas consequences
Unable to change human condition
Countermeasures cantered on barriers and safeguards
What is the Swiss cheese model?
There are multiple safeguards
What should you confirm before writing a prescription?
Name of drug, dose, strength, frequency, duration of treatment, allergies and adverse effects, indication, adherence, GMC guidelines to prescribe within competencies
What are some of the legal requirements required for prescriptions?
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
Some examples of what is good practice to include in a prescription?
Approved drugs name Route of administration Dose Strength Units in gull Frequency Additional instructions
What should be reported using the yellow card scheme?
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
What is a black triangle drug?
One which is being intensively monitored generally - has been newly released - changed indications - changed formulations - combination product
What is a serious reaction?
Any reactions that results in or prolongs hospitalisation
Including fatal, life threatening, disabling or incapacitating reactions