SHM's Clinical Quick Talks-Inpatient Medication Safety

Pdf Summary

Inpatient medication safety is a crucial aspect of high-quality healthcare, and this article provides quick tips for healthcare providers to prevent medication errors. The focus is on areas such as high-alert medications and look-alike/sound-alike medications, which can pose a higher risk for errors.<br /><br />To start, hospitals should implement evidence-based risk-reduction strategies and learn from the successes of other institutions. For ordering high-alert medications, clinical decision support tools should be used to minimize alert fatigue, along with standardizing medication concentrations and using premixed IV solutions. Standardized order sets and protocols can also be helpful.<br /><br />To prevent errors with look-alike/sound-alike medications, using both brand and generic names, differentiating through color, font, or uppercase, and including the indication for use on orders are recommended. Limiting verbal orders, using read-back processes, and avoiding abbreviations can further reduce errors.<br /><br />During patient admission, obtaining a medication history and performing medication reconciliation are crucial. Healthcare professionals should avoid ordering errors such as incomplete orders or wrong doses by clearly stating the indication and avoiding unapproved abbreviations.<br /><br />Medication administration requires independent double checks when indicated, verifying patient identifiers and communicating indications with patients. Monitoring errors can occur due to transcription errors or incorrect interpretation of results, so clear protocols and automatic provider alerts can help improve accuracy.<br /><br />During patient discharge, it is important to ensure patients can obtain their medications and follow-up appointments are scheduled. Patient education plays a vital role in medication safety, including encouraging patients to take an active role in their therapy and providing effective communication techniques.<br /><br />Healthcare providers should pay close attention to admission and discharge periods, review medication lists for accuracy, and limit the number of open charts. Additionally, using tools like IV compatibility and drug interaction analysis can aid in safe medication practices.<br /><br />Overall, following these tips and utilizing available tools can help improve medication safety in the inpatient setting.

Asset Subtitle

Jenna Guma, Ian Dale, Annmarie Cristiano, Rachel Nash

Keywords

inpatient medication safety

high-quality healthcare

medication errors

high-alert medications

look-alike/sound-alike medications

evidence-based risk-reduction strategies

clinical decision support tools

standardized order sets

medication reconciliation

medication administration