Study of factors influencing the medication errors in the healthcare system

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Study of factors influencing the medication errors in the healthcare system
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Majed Isa, Mohammed Hamaidi and Hosni Farah


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Study of factors influencing the medication errors in the healthcare system

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20176-8515


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Medication errors are defined as preventable events that may lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm, occurring during the control of healthcare professionals, patients, or consumers. Studies dating back to the 1970s indicate alarming rates of medication errors, with an estimated 8 million deaths attributed to conventional medicine in the United States over a decade. Despite the significant impact of these errors on patient safety, only 3% of physicians regard them as a primary health concern. This study investigates factors influencing medication errors, focusing on self-medication practices, knowledge, and organizational aspects in the healthcare system.

The Importance of Self-Medication Awareness

Self-medication, particularly with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, plays a vital role in healthcare systems, allowing individuals to treat common ailments without needing prescriptions. However, while 35% of adult Americans regularly use OTC medications, the risks of improper self-diagnosis and adverse drug interactions can increase the likelihood of medication errors. The study highlights a conflict regarding self-medication, suggesting that while it is often seen as a prevalent practice, awareness of the associated risks is crucial in preventing potential medication errors. Effective patient education regarding medication usage is emphasized as a means to mitigate errors.

Factors Influencing Medication Errors

The study identifies several key factors impacting medication errors, including knowledge, information accessibility, and organization within healthcare settings. Results indicated that healthcare professionals generally have a higher level of awareness regarding these factors compared to the general public. For instance, a significant percentage of healthcare practitioners recognized the importance of proper organization in minimizing medication errors, reflecting a deeper understanding of the systemic issues at play. Training and information sharing are pivotal in enhancing the healthcare system's effectiveness in managing medication errors.

The Role of Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists, play a critical role in managing medication errors due to their specialized knowledge and training. The study demonstrates that pharmacists' awareness of various factors influencing medication errors, such as patient education and information sources, is markedly higher than that of the general public. This awareness not only reduces the incidence of medication errors but also promotes better patient outcomes. The implication is that strengthening the clinical role of pharmacists could significantly enhance medication safety and efficacy within healthcare systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study underscores the necessity of improving healthcare awareness and education to combat medication errors effectively. Factors such as self-medication practices, healthcare professionalism, and organizational structure within health institutions greatly influence the occurrence of these errors. The findings advocate for a collaborative approach among healthcare professionals, patients, and regulatory bodies to enhance communication, training, and organization within healthcare. By prioritizing awareness and education, the potential for reducing medication errors and enhancing patient safety can be significantly improved, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is considered a medication error in healthcare?

A medication error is any preventable event that causes inappropriate medication use or patient harm while medications are under the care of healthcare professionals, patients, or consumers.

What factors influence medication errors in healthcare?

Factors influencing medication errors include knowledge, information, self-medication, organization, and communication. High percentages indicate their significant impact on medication errors in both public and healthcare professional perspectives.

How prevalent are medication errors in Saudia Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, medication error rates can reach around 40%, highlighting the urgency in addressing these issues within the healthcare system.

How does self-medication relate to medication errors?

Self-medication often leads to medication errors due to incorrect self-diagnosis or inadequate knowledge about medications, increasing risks of improper drug usage and adverse events.

What role do pharmacists play in reducing medication errors?

Pharmacists are crucial in minimizing medication errors by ensuring proper medication information is communicated and by educating patients about medication use and safety.

What recommendations can reduce medication errors?

Recommendations include enhancing awareness and education about medication risks, implementing stricter policies, and encouraging collaboration among healthcare professionals to protect patient health.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study of factors influencing the medication errors in the healthcare system”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Drug:
A substance used for medical purposes, particularly for treating or preventing disease. Drugs can be prescription-based or available over-the-counter. Their misuse can lead to medication errors and adverse effects, making awareness and proper administration crucial in the healthcare system to ensure patient safety.

2) Study (Studying):
A systematic investigation aimed at increasing understanding of certain phenomena. In the context of medication errors, studies help identify causes, highlight trends, and suggest interventions. They inform healthcare practices and policies, guide educational efforts, and ultimately improve patient outcomes in the medical field.

3) Table:
An organized arrangement of data in rows and columns used for systematic presentation of information. Tables facilitate the comparison of different variables related to medication errors such as demographics, error types, and factors influencing errors, making complex information more digestible and easier to analyze.

4) Knowledge:
Refers to the awareness and understanding of information about medications, their uses, and potential risks. In healthcare, knowledge is critical in preventing medication errors. Patients and healthcare professionals with better knowledge are more likely to engage in safe medication practices, contributing to improved health outcomes.

5) Education:
The process of imparting knowledge and skills, which is vital in the healthcare field. Education equips healthcare providers and patients with the necessary understanding and tools to prevent medication errors and ensure safe drug administration, enhancing overall healthcare quality and patient safety.

6) Medicine:
The science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. It encompasses various disciplines including pharmacology and toxicology. Understanding medicine is essential in recognizing the potential for medication errors, ensuring that healthcare practices are safe, effective, and aligned with patient needs.

7) Death:
The cessation of life, which can be a tragic outcome of medication errors in healthcare settings. The alarming statistics about deaths caused by preventable medical mistakes emphasize the urgency of addressing medication errors to enhance patient safety and improve healthcare systems.

8) Pur:
Describes inadequate quality or substandard practices. In the context of healthcare, poor understanding, communication, or practices can lead to medication errors. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial for improving patient safety and ensuring that medications are used appropriately and effectively.

9) Developing:
Refers to countries with emerging economies that often face challenges in healthcare delivery systems. In developing countries, the lack of resources and standardized practices can exacerbate the incidence of medication errors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and improvements in healthcare education.

10) Disease:
A pathological condition that disrupts normal bodily functions. Understanding diseases and their treatments is essential for healthcare providers to avoid medication errors. Proper diagnosis and treatment selection are vital to ensure effective management and reduce the risk of harm to patients.

11) Field:
Refers to a particular area of study or practice within a discipline. In the context of medication errors, it encompasses various healthcare fields that contribute to understanding and mitigating these errors, including pharmacy, medicine, nursing, and healthcare administration.

12) Pharmacology:
The branch of medicine that studies drugs and their effects on the body. A strong foundation in pharmacology is essential for healthcare providers to prevent medication errors, as it informs them about drug interactions, dosing, and potential adverse effects.

13) Reliability:
The consistency and dependability of results or measurements. In healthcare, reliable data on medication errors is crucial for identifying trends and formulating strategies for improvement. Enhanced reliability leads to better decision-making and fosters trust in healthcare practices among professionals and patients alike.

14) Perception:
The way individuals interpret and understand situations. Perception influences how healthcare providers and patients view medication errors and safety practices. Positive perceptions of education and knowledge can lead to improved adherence to safe medication practices and better patient outcomes.

15) Discussion:
An exchange of ideas and opinions on a particular topic. In healthcare, discussion about medication errors is essential for exploring causes, solutions, and prevention strategies. Open discussions among healthcare professionals can foster collaboration and enhance patient safety.

16) Toxicology:
The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms. Understanding toxicology is important for healthcare providers to recognize the potential dangers of drug interactions and misuse, aiding in the prevention of medication errors and patient harm.

17) Science (Scientific):
Relating to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. Scientific rigor in research is crucial for understanding medication errors and developing evidence-based strategies to reduce their occurrence and improve healthcare outcomes.

18) Language:
A system of communication used to convey information. In healthcare, effective communication, including the use of appropriate language, is vital to ensure that patients understand their medications and healthcare professionals' instructions, ultimately reducing the risk of medication errors.

19) Teaching:
The act of imparting knowledge or skill. Teaching patients about medications and their proper use is crucial for preventing medication errors. Educating healthcare professionals also fosters awareness and adherence to best practices in patient care.

20) Village:
A small community or locality, often faced with distinct healthcare challenges. In rural areas, access to healthcare resources and information may be limited. Understanding these contexts is essential for addressing the unique factors contributing to medication errors in such communities.

21) Quality:
Refers to the standard of health care and medication practices. High-quality care involves adherence to guidelines that minimize medication errors. Ensuring quality in healthcare systems is essential for promoting patient safety and achieving better health outcomes.

22) Visit:
A meeting between patients and healthcare providers for assessment, consultation, or treatment. Ensuring thorough communication during patient visits is vital to assess medication needs, prevent errors, and provide appropriate advice on drug use.

23) Arabic language:
The primary language spoken in several countries, including Saudi Arabia where this research was conducted. Effective communication in Arabic is essential for educating patients and healthcare professionals about medications to minimize errors due to language barriers.

24) Measurement:
The process of quantifying variables to assess outcomes. Measurement of medication errors is crucial for identifying trends, understanding impacts on patient safety, and informing policy development aimed at reducing errors within healthcare systems.

25) Training:
The process of teaching skills and knowledge to enhance competency. Training healthcare professionals about safe medication practices is essential in minimizing medication errors, improving patient care quality, and fostering a culture of safety in healthcare settings.

26) Relative:
In relation to something else. In the context of medication errors, relative comparisons can help determine the prevalence of errors in different demographics or healthcare settings, identifying areas that require targeted interventions and improvements.

27) Writing:
The act of documenting or communicating information in written form. Accurate writing, especially in prescriptions and medical records, is critical in preventing medication errors. Errors in writing can lead to misunderstandings and potentially harmful consequences for patients.

28) Dealing:
Refers to the management or handling of situations or problems. Effectively dealing with medication errors involves recognizing their causes, implementing corrective measures, and fostering open communication among healthcare providers to ensure patient safety.

29) Allergy:
An adverse immune response to a substance. Understanding allergies is important for preventing medication errors, as allergies can lead to severe reactions if inappropriate drugs are administered. Awareness aids in safe prescribing and patient care.

30) Family:
A fundamental social unit that influences individual health behaviors and knowledge. Family input can play a crucial role in medication adherence and communication of health issues, significantly impacting patient safety and the incidence of medication errors.

31) Reason:
An explanation or justification for a belief or action. Understanding the reasons behind medication errors is essential for developing strategies to prevent them. It allows healthcare providers to address shortcomings in knowledge, procedures, and patient engagement.

32) Debate:
A discussion involving differing viewpoints. In healthcare, debates about medication errors can lead to improved practices by exploring diverse perspectives, enhancing understanding, and fostering collaboration among professionals focused on patient safety.

33) Misuse:
Inappropriate or incorrect use of medications. Misuse is a critical factor in the occurrence of medication errors. Educating patients and healthcare professionals about proper drug use is essential to mitigate risks associated with misuse.

34) Medium:
Refers to a method or channel of communication or transfer. In healthcare, identifying the best medium for delivering information about medications (e.g., verbal, written, electronic) can significantly impact patient understanding and compliance, thereby reducing medication errors.

35) Food:
Substances consumed for nourishment. Understanding interactions between food and medications is vital; some foods can affect drug absorption and efficacy. Awareness of these interactions contributes to safer medication practices and minimizes errors.

36) Hair:
Keratinous fibers that grow from the skin of mammals, often associated with cosmetic and health products. Misunderstandings about medications for hair loss or skin conditions can lead to misuse, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and education.

37) Pain:
An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Medications are often used to manage pain, and incorrect dosing or administration can lead to adverse effects. Education about pain management is critical to prevent medication errors.

38) Male:
Refers to the gender associated with specific physiological and psychological traits. Understanding gender differences in medication use and awareness is important for customizing patient education and intervention strategies to reduce medication errors among different demographic groups.

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