Making American Healthcare Safer (02:27)

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A 1999 IOM report found that nearly 100,000 people die each year from medical errors. All healthcare professionals have a role to play in improving patient safety. This video will focus on preventing medication errors.

Why do Medication Errors Occur? (08:25)

See a medication error definition. Most errors are caused by incomplete patient information, unavailable drug information, drug order miscommunication, inappropriate drug labeling, and environmental factors. These are also grouped as human factors, manufacturing issues, or institutional culture or system factors.

Types of Medication Error (03:28)

NCCMERP's index groups nine categories according to the following classifications: no error, error but no harm, error and harm, and error and death.

Case Study 1 (01:08)

Consider which NCCMERP index category applies. An ICU patient with hyperkalemia is ordered sodium polystyrene sulfonate via rectal administration. The nurse inadvertently administers the medication through the Foley catheter. The patient develops cystitis, requiring a urology consult for treatment options.

Case Study 2 (01:44)

Consider which NCCMERP index category applies. The pharmacy sends chemotherapy for two patients, receiving the same medication in different doses, inside the same Ziploc bag. After verifying, the nurse accidentally hangs the wrong bag, but no harm results.

Which Patients can be Most Harmed by Medical Errors? (03:03)

Medication errors can adversely affect children and the elderly. Healthcare professionals should present medication information slowly and monitor reactions carefully in these populations.

How can Medication Errors be Prevented? (02:26)

Healthcare professionals should report errors to the FDA or ISMP's Medication Errors Reporting Program. IOM recommendations include shifting to a healthcare model that partners with patients and encouraging them to take active roles in their healthcare.

What can Nurses do to Educate Patients and Family about Preventing Medication Errors? (10:18)

Regulatory agencies require healthcare organizations to educate staff via certification and mandatory testing. Nurses can educate and empower patients and families. Hear points to teach patients for taking an active role in their care, including safe medication practices and documentation measures.

Credits: Prevention of Medical Errors 2016 (00:22)

Credits: Prevention of Medical Errors 2016