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