An evaluation of medication errors among staff nurses working in medicine intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: Medication errors are common problem in the hospitals leading to adverse drug event which is usually under reported by the health-care professionals; hence, the study on medication error would help to create consciousness in medical care providers and give quality care to patients and society. Aim and Objective: The aims of the study were as follows (i) To assess the types of medication error that occurs during medication use in the medicine intensive care unit (ICU) and (ii) to evaluate the adverse drug events by medication errors. Materials and Methods: The data were collected in medicine ICU Patients. Clinical data include age, gender, IP number, and diagnosis of the patient were collected. Data were analyzed on transcribed and administered medication errors. Out of 386 patients, 122 were females and 264 were males. Results: Most common age group was 41–60 year. Near seven drugs were prescribed per patient. Most common errors occurred during the drug transcribing stage (51.4%) than the administration stage (44.29%). Adverse events were more common in allergic reaction (46.15%) and musculoskeletal system (19.23%), and nervous system (11.53%). Conclusion: Medication errors are most routine problem faced in hospitals, which can significantly harm the patient. It should be recognized and their causes should be studied to minimize the recurrence and to prevent further adverse drug events.