Why Is Safe Medication Dispensing an Issue in Hospitals?
Medication errors are one of America’s biggest public health issues. In fact, according to data collected by the Joint Commission, errors in medication are one of the leading causes of hospitalization across the country. In a more shocking reveal, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) stated that nearly 2 million people face medication errors in hospitals. As many as 98,000 preventable deaths occur each year.
There are a few different types of medication errors and a couple of those types stem from human error. Physicians in-office medication dispensing could be an effective way out.
Medication Errors in Hospitals
A hospital is supposed to be a place where patients go to receive the highest degree of healthcare. They are to be treated with utmost attention by doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Unfortunately, the healthcare industry is riddled with overworked practitioners and a perpetual shortage of professionals. This means that, no matter how acutely heedful one has been, there is always a chance that medication errors may creep in.
The following are some of the most prevalent issues in hospitals that cause errors in medication dispensing -
A greater influx of patients than there are healthcare workers to take care of them. As a result, it compromises the amount of time and effort that would’ve gone to a patient.
Certain drugs used to treat one condition may give rise to another.
Problems with the medication packaging and faulty medical equipment and tools
Lack of intensive education, supervision, and training
Failure to comply with safety protocols. This may happen due to outright ignorance, intentional refusal to follow safety procedures or even lack of time to do things the right way.
Sometimes patient safety workflows end up getting muddled due to communicative errors and disruptive monitoring.
Admin assistant may make typographical errors while inputting the orders into the computers
Sound-alike (or sound) mistakes is another reason for medication dispensing error. This mistake occurs when the one administering the medicines gets confused between two similar-sounding drugs. It sounds like a silly error to make, but you would be surprised at how common it actually is. It is mostly caused by poor memory or insufficient knowledge. Illegible handwriting on prescriptions is another cause.
A physician-in-office medication dispensing system can be the solution you are looking for. Safety nets like Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) and barcode scanning systems are some of the most popular methods.
Tips for Safe Medical Dispensing
Make sure to write down the medicines that are given out in a patient’s chart. This way if the patient has an adverse reaction to the drug, you will have written documentation of which drug was administered and what for.
Medicine allergies are very serious and can even be life-threatening under certain circumstances. Double-check for allergies and sensitivity when writing a patient's prescription.
When administering drugs intravenously, it is of critical importance that you clean the injection site properly. Also ensure that each shot gets a new, sterile needle. Unhygienic tools and medical equipment are highly likely to cause infections.
PD-RX Pharmaceuticals as a Solution
PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals is a leading provider of physician-in-office medication dispensing services and products in Oklahoma City. Currently, our pharmaceutical repackaging and web-based dispensing software are making waves in the state's point-of-care dispensing market. It enhances patient convenience and compliance along with generating an additional review stream for the clinics and hospitals. Want to know more? Pay us a visit on our website.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of the patient-doctor relationship.