Prospective assessment of medication errors in critically ill patients in a university hospital Errores de medicación en pacientes críticos adultos de un hospital universitario. Estudio prospectivo y aleatorio

Abstract

Background: Critically ill patients are especially vulnerable to medication errors (ME) due to their severe clinical situation and the complexities of their management. Aim: To determine the frequency and characteristics of ME and identify shortcomings in the processes of medication management in an Intensive Care Unit. Patients and Methods: During a 3 months period, an observational prospective and randomized study was carried out in the ICU of a university hospital. Every step of patient's medication management (prescription, transcription, dispensation, preparation and administration) was evaluated by an external trained professional. Steps with higher frequency of ME and their therapeutic groups involved were identified. Medications errors were classified according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention. Results: In 52 of 124 patients evaluated, 66 ME were found in 194 drugs prescribed. In 34% of prescribed drugs, there was at least 1 ME