How to Prevent a Medication Error

Medication errors harm at least 1.5 million people every year, according to the Institute of Medicine. In hospitals, there is at least one medication error per patient per day. Actor Dennis Quaid’s newborn twins were reported to have received a dose of blood thinner 1,000 times stronger than what was prescribed. Out patient errors is estimated to be high also. There are no clear record about the number of “at home’ error made but it is assumed to be high also. Patients and family members can prevent medication errors.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen and paper
• Persistent attitude
• Family or a friend to accompany you in the hospital.

1. Know exactly what your doctor is prescribing, how often you should take it, and at what dosage. Ask questions until it is clear in your mind. What the name of the medication, how you are to take it and what results your doctor expects. Do not be intimidated by your doctor and all his education. His education is not worth anything if you cannot follow his prescription. It is his job to help you understand and be responsible for your own health.
2. When your doctor writes a prescription, make sure you can read it. If you cannot read it then there is a good chance that the pharmacist will not be able to read it. It is perfectly acceptable to ask the doctor to use block letters to print the name of the drug.
3. Check the name of the prescription and make sure it is what you were prescribed. At the pharmacy, don't just take the prescription and walk away. Check the name, make sure it's what you were prescribed. Make sure you understand how to take the medicines: with or without food, how often and what the medication’s side effects may be.
4. In the hospital, write down what medication have been prescribed for you with a description of the pill or liquid and how and when it will be given. When the nurse comes to give you your medication check it off on the list noting the time. Check and make sure the medicine fits the description you have such as pink capsule or red tablet or clear IV fluid. If you have questions ask the nurse. Don’t take the medication until you are sure it is the correct medication.
5. Make sure this is YOUR medicine especially if you have a common name like Smith or Johnson. The nurse should check your hospital bracelet to the name on the medication.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are ill it is hard to keep a check on all of this so it is important to have a family member or a friend to be with you in the hospital
• Be tough and stern if you have to. Say, 'Just to be safe, could you please re-check with the doctor,' " 'I don't want anything bad to happen, so please check again. ‘ Usually this will be enough if not do what ever it takes to stop the administration of the medication until you are sure it is the correct medicine. It is better to be embarrassed than to feel guilty for the consequences of a medical error.