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Introducing a Multidisciplinary Medication Safety Program in a Major Hospital
Author(s) -
Van de Vreede Melita A,
Kenneally Anne L,
Lubliner Mark
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/jppr2003334290
Subject(s) - medicine , patient safety , multidisciplinary approach , medical emergency , quality management , health care , management system , operations management , social science , sociology , economics , economic growth
Aim: To describe the introduction of a medication safety program in a major hospital. Method: Medication safety was identified as an organisational priority and a multidisciplinary Drug Management Committee convened to promote medication safety and reduce the potential for error. Methods included analysis of medication‐related incident reports and implementation of educational strategies and new processes. Outcomes: The following safety initiatives have been successfully implemented and sustained: warfarin prescribing and administration time was altered to avoid prescribing by after hours hospital medical officers; the use of potassium chloride ampoules has been reduced by introducing premixed potassium chloride infusion packs and will be further reduced by the introduction of 10mmol in 100mL premixed packs for fluid‐restricted patients. Other changes include medication imprest review and rationalisation, the introduction of a safe prescribing program for interns, and standardising protocols for drug infusions. Conclusion: The program has been successful because of strong executive support, an enthusiastic multidisciplinary team, application of quality improvement methods and extensive staff consultation and education.