Medication errors in an intensive care unit

Medication errors in an intensive care unit.
Bohomol, E., Ramos, L.H., D'Innocenzo, M.

Report of a study to investigating the incidence types and causes of medication errors (MEs) and the consequences for patients. Background. Medication errors are a common problem in hospitals around the world, including those in Brazil.Method. An exploratory, quantitative survey design was used and 44 adult inpatients were studied over a 30-day period in 2006. Findings. A total of 305 MEs was observed. Conclusion. There is a need to develop a culture of safety and quality in patient care. An understanding of the profile of ME types and frequencies in an institution is fundamental to raise awareness and implement measures to avoid them. Structural and procedural changes in hospital organization, with a focus on the efficacy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the medication system are needed to reduce MEs.