Lesson 5: Medication Errors Flashcards
Define medication errors.
Refer to any preventable event or incident that occurs during the medication management process, resulting in inappropriate medication use or patient harm.
Medication errors can only happen before administering them. T/F?
False, errors can happen at various stages including prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering and monitoring medications.
List 3 factors that can cause a medication error.
Communication breakdown, lack of knowledge or training, system failures, illegible handwriting, similar drug names and medication administration errors.
List 3 efforts to help prevent medication errors.
Implementing safety protocols, using technology systems for medication management, improving communication among healthcare providers, enhancing medication education, training for healthcare professionals, promoting a culture of safety and openly reporting of any errors.
How can a medical assistant help prevent medication errors?
Accurate documentation, patient identification, medication reconciliation, patient education, communication and collaboration.
How to respond to a medication error?
Acknowledge and assess, notify supervisor or health provider, provide care and support, document and report, learn from the error.
What is the aim of incident reporting?
Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement within the healthcare facility.