CLEARFIELD – Medication mistakes are the most common type of health care error, according to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
The good news is that by working as a team, healthcare providers and consumers can help decrease the chance of medication errors through the use of best practices and education, according to Michelle Bennett, PharmD, Director of Clearfield Hospital’s Pharmacy.
“Clearfield Hospital is committed to reducing the chance of medication errors. We are constantly working toward improvement by enhanced communication among healthcare providers, strict documentation and ongoing education,” stated Bennett.
The hospital has implemented a number of strategies over the years to reduce medication errors. For example, in 2012 the hospital began using bar-coding technology – the kind that grocery stores and other retailers have used for decades to improve efficiency and accuracy – to enhance patient safety. Bar-coding is part of the hospital’s Medication Administration Check (MAK) system that ensures the right patient receives the right medication in the right dose by the right route and at the right time.
Here’s how it works: All patient wristbands contain unique bar codes that correspond to a computerized record of the patient’s current medication history, including allergies and side effects. When the hospital pharmacy fills the patient’s prescription, each dose is given a unique bar code.
Using a portable cart equipped with a wireless laptop computer and hand-held scanner, nurses scan a bar code on individually packaged medications and then scan the patient’s wristband. The computer checks against the specifications prescribed for the patient. If the bar codes do not match or the MAK software identifies a problem, the nurse is prompted to verify accuracy of the medication or contact the patient’s physician before administering the medication.
More recently, the pharmacy and nursing staff launched a pilot program on the patient floors that involves having a clinical pharmacist work side-by-side with physicians and nurses to verify orders, answer patients’ questions and conduct chart reviews to ensure the appropriate medication is ordered and administered correctly.
“It’s great to have the expertise of a clinical pharmacist at my side when caring for patients. It gives me the opportunity to ask questions and verify medication administration. This program creates a bond between nursing and pharmacy that ultimately improves nurse and patient satisfaction,” said Melanie Decker, R.N., first floor staff nurse.
The pharmacy team is also educating nurses and physicians on “look alike/sound alike” drugs to further reduce the chance of medication mix-ups.
Bennett said healthcare consumers also play a vital role in helping to prevent medication mistakes, and she shared information about how they can work with their medical team to prevent medication errors.
One of the most important ways a person can protect their health is by compiling an up-to-date medication list. This list should include all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, and all herbal remedies and vitamins.
For each medicine, the list should include the name of the medication, dosage and frequency. People should also record any allergies they have.
The medication list should be brought to every health care visit, including visits to the Emergency Department.
“It’s important for your healthcare team to know what your medication regimen is so they can make appropriate treatment decisions. They don’t want to order a diagnostic test or prescribe a medication that might cause a negative reaction,” Bennett said.
Other medication safety tips include:
At the doctor’s office or pharmacy:
- Remind your doctor about any allergies or reactions.
- Ask your doctor whether it’s safe to take medications together, or to use certain medications if you take vitamins, herbs and other supplements.
- Understanding that more may not always be better. Ask your doctor how a new medication will help.
- Make sure you can read the doctor’s handwriting on all prescriptions. If you can’t read it, the pharmacist may not be able to either.
- Read the label on your prescription. Does it have your name on it? And is it the correct medicine? Some medicines have names that sound alike and can be confused.
- Read the literature that comes with your prescriptions.
- At the hospital or clinic, patients and their families can avoid mistakes by:
- Making sure the doctor or nurse checks your wristband and asks your name before giving medicine.
- Asking the doctor or nurse why you should take a medication and requesting written information about the brand name, generic name and any side effects.
- Speaking up if you think the doctor or nurse is about to give you the wrong medicine.
- Knowing what time you normally take a medicine and making sure the doctor or nurse knows that time.
- Telling your nurse or doctor if you don’t feel well after receiving a medicine.
- Asking a friend or relative to get the facts about your medications if you are not well enough to do so.
For more information about how to prevent medication errors, please contact Bennett at 814-768-2165.