Ambulatory Surgery Medication Errors Spotlighted in New Pennsylvania Report

The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority has issued a new advisory report (pdf) which analyzes medication error reports submitted by ambulatory surgery facilities to the Authority, according to a Philadelphia Business Journal report.

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The advisory report indicates facilities submitted 502 medication error reports to the Authority from June 28, 2004, through Dec. 31, 2010.

 

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The most common types of medication errors reported included drug omission, wrong drug and monitoring error/documented allergy.

 

The advisory report offers a number of strategies to reduce medication errors, including requiring labels on all medications and medication containers, differentiating look-alike drug names and products, confirming medications and labels, standardizing medications and safe and proper medication storage.

 

Related Articles on Medication Errors:

8 Steps to Prevent Medication Errors in Surgery Centers

Johns Hopkins: Temporary ED Staff Poses Increased Patient Safety Risks

Patient Safety Tool: “Check Your Medicines” Checklist Poster

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