Ch. 9 Common Causes of Medication Errors and Steps to Follow When a Medication Error Occurs

Response to the error

Actions taken in response to the medication mistake

Multiple reports based on resident's response

Additional reports may be necessary depending on the resident's reaction to the error

Surveying facilities for meeting CMS standards

Assessing healthcare facilities' compliance with regulations

Observing and reporting by medication aides

Careful monitoring and communication to prevent or identify medication errors

Significant and non-significant errors

Classification of errors based on their impact and frequency

National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP)

Collaborative group working to improve medication safety

Coordination of efforts to improve medication safety

Collaborative work among member groups to enhance medication safety

Medication errors

Common and harmful mistakes in medication administration

MedWatch

FDA's system for collecting reports of medication errors and adverse effects

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Federal agency responsible for drug approval and monitoring

Rate of medication errors in survey process

Frequency of medication mistakes is considered during facility surveys

Organizations involved in preventing medication errors

Groups working to improve medication safety

ISMP's reporting system for medication errors

ISMP's own system for collecting reports of medication mistakes

Failure to listen to concerns

Ignoring the worries or feedback of residents or their family members

Emergency care or observation

Immediate medical attention or monitoring may be required

Wrong dose

Incorrect amount of medication administered

Wrong medication

Incorrect drug administered

Reporting reduces potential harm

Informing authorities promptly minimizes the potential negative effects on residents

Fear of punishment should not prevent reporting

MAs should not be deterred from reporting errors due to potential consequences

Errors may be dangerous for some residents

Mistakes can have varying levels of risk depending on the individual

Harm caused by not receiving correct drug

Negative effects from not getting the necessary medication

Harm caused by incorrect drug

Negative reaction due to wrong medication

Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)

Nonprofit organization providing education and resources on medication errors

Failure to follow medication orders

Not adhering to prescribed medication instructions

Failure to follow facility policies

Not complying with the rules and regulations of the healthcare facility

Failure to follow medication use instructions

Not following recommended guidelines for medication administration

National Patient Safety Goals

Objectives set by the Joint Commission to enhance patient safety

Joint Commission

Organization focused on patient safety and accreditation

Consequences for not reporting errors

Possible termination or loss of MA certification for failing to report mistakes

Steps to follow when a medication error occurs

Procedures to be followed after a medication mistake

Immediate reporting of medication errors

Promptly informing relevant parties about the medication mistake

Medication error documentation

Recording the details of the medication mistake

Medication error reports not in resident's chart

Reports of medication errors are not included in the resident's medical records

FDA's role in medication safety

Reviewing drug naming, packaging, and labeling to reduce errors

Using resources from organizations to improve medication safety

Utilizing materials and guidance from various organizations to enhance medication administration