Errores de medicación en pacientes críticos adultos de un hospital universitario: Estudio prospectivo y aleatorio / Prospective assessment of medication errors in critically ill patients in a university hospital
Rev. méd. Chile
; 139(11): 1458-1464, nov. 2011. ilus
Article
in Es
| LILACS
| ID: lil-627576
Responsible library:
CL1.1
ABSTRACT
Background:
Critically ill patients are especially vulnerable to medication errors (ME) due to their severe clinical situation and the complexities of their management.Aim:
To determine the frequency and characteristics of ME and identify shortcomings in the processes of medication management in an Intensive Care Unit. Patients andMethods:
During a 3 months period, an observational prospective and randomized study was carried out in the ICU of a university hospital. Every step of patient's medication management (prescription, transcription, dispensation, preparation and administration) was evaluated by an external trained professional. Steps with higher frequency of ME and their therapeutic groups involved were identified. Medications errors were classified according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention.Results:
In 52 of 124 patients evaluated, 66 ME were found in 194 drugs prescribed. In 34% of prescribed drugs, there was at least 1 ME during its use. Half of ME occurred during medication administration, mainly due to problems in infusion rates and schedule times. Antibacterial drugs had the highest rate of ME.Conclusions:
We found a 34% rate of ME per drug prescribed, which is in concordance with international reports. The identification of those steps more prone to ME in the ICU, will allow the implementation of an intervention program to improve the quality and security of medication management.Key words
Full text:
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Index:
LILACS
Main subject:
Critical Illness
/
Prescription Drugs
/
Medication Errors
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
/
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
Es
Journal:
Rev. méd. Chile
Journal subject:
MEDICINA
Year:
2011
Type:
Article