Medication Administration in Nursing Homes: Pharmacists Contribution to Error Prevention

作者:Verrue Charlotte L*; Mehuys Els; Somers Annemie; Van Maele Georges; Remon Jean Paul; Petrovic Mirko
来源:Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 2010, 11(4): 275-283.
DOI:10.1016/j.jamda.2009.10.013

摘要

Background: The elderly use a large number of medications, which exposes them to an increased risk for medication-related errors, especially in nursing homes.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of an educational session addressing good medication administration practices on the medication administration error rate in 2 nursing homes.
Method: A before-after study was performed, comparing outcome measurements 1 month before and 1 month after implementation of a formal training session on "good medication administration principles." Medication administration errors were detected using a direct observation method. Two experts (a geriatrician and a clinical pharmacist) scored the clinical relevance of these errors. The study was carried out between March 2007 and June 2007.
Results: In both nursing homes, the overall error rate (preparation errors and administration errors) decreased after the intervention. This decrease was significant both in nursing home 1 (P < .001) and nursing home 2 (P = .049). None of the observed errors was rated highly likely to cause harm according to the experts.
Conclusion: An educational session about good medication administration practices provided by a pharmacist is a very simple way to decrease medication administration error rates and to raise awareness on the possible clinical significance of the errors. (J Am Med Dir Assoc 2010; 11:275-283)

  • 出版日期2010-5