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Medication errors are a serious concern among those who take prescription medication on a daily basis, or for people who are prescribed medication. The health care system relies on medical professionals who have a achieved a standard of quality in their profession, but sometimes fail to follow correct procedures. When this happens, errors occur.
Medication errors are a type of medical malpractice and are a violation of the trust a patient puts not only on the doctor but the entire medical profession. The medical profession is filled with outstanding doctors that put forth a high standard in treating patients, prescribing medication, and following up with their patients. But sometimes the wrong medication or the wrong dosage of a medication is prescribed either due to an erroneous diagnosis or negligence by the doctor, hospital staff, or pharmacy.
A 1990 study of prescribing medication errors in teaching hospitals detected an estimated 3.13 errors for each 1,000 orders written, and a rate of 1.81 significant errors per 1,000 orders. The high number of orders and the hectic nature of general and teaching hospitals makes it quite a task to get all of the medication and prescription orders correct.
Medication mishaps can occur anywhere in the distribution system:
- Prescribing
- Repackaging
- Dispensing
- Administering
- Monitoring
Common causes of such errors include:
- Medical Negligence
- Poor communication
- Ambiguities in product names, directions for use, medical abbreviations or writing, poor procedures or techniques, or
- Patient misuse because of poor understanding of the directions for use of the product
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of medication errors, or any other kind of medical malpractice, please contact us now.
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Facts About Medication Malpractice
