Researchers searched medical literature for comparative studies that compared at least two of four methodologies — incident report review, direct observation, chart review and trigger tool — to each another. Results from the study found direct observation identified the highest number of drug-related problems. Incident report review identified the fewest drug-related problems but showed a higher specificity compared to other methods and captured the most severe drug-related problems.
On the other hand, the trigger tool had a higher sensitivity than incident report review and was the least labor-intensive; however, incident report review was the most inexpensive methodology but only when integrated with other automated reporting systems and targeted follow-up.
Read the abstract about medication safety.
Read other coverage about medication safety:
– Study Lists Main Causes of Analgesic Medication Errors
– A Measure of Safety: Preventing Infection During Medication Administration
– Researchers Highlight Two Principles for Medication Safety
