WHO estimates medication errors harm 1.3 million Americans annually, contributing to 7,000-9,000 deaths. Despite technology like CPOE and barcode administration systems, medication errors remain a leading cause of preventable patient harm.
Types of Medication Errors
- Prescribing errors — wrong drug, dose, or route ordered
- Dispensing errors — pharmacy errors
- Administration errors — wrong time, dose, or route at bedside
- Omission errors — prescribed medication not given
- Monitoring errors — failure to track drug levels or watch for side effects
The Five Rights
Before administration, nurses verify: Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time. You can participate: ask what any medication is and what it is for before accepting it.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
- Bring complete medication list to every admission — drug name, dose, frequency
- List ALL allergies on every form; tell every provider verbally
- Question any medication that looks different or unfamiliar
- Ensure allergy status is on your ID wristband
- Request written discharge medication instructions
- Never allow anyone to administer a medication without explaining what it is
High-Alert Medications
ISMP's list includes: insulin, anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin), concentrated electrolytes, opioids, and chemotherapy. If receiving any of these, ask about independent double-check procedures.