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Adverse drug event trigger tool: a practical methodology for measuring medication related harm
J D Rozich1, C R Haraden, R K Resar
1Luther Midelfort, Mayo Health System, Eau Claire, WI 54703, USA. rozich.john@mayo.edu
Quality & Safety in Health Care
|June 7, 2003
Summary
Adverse drug events (ADEs) are a frequent patient safety risk. A new "trigger tool" method significantly improves ADE detection rates compared to traditional reporting, enhancing patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance
- Patient Safety
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Adverse drug events (ADEs) are a leading cause of healthcare-related injuries.
- Traditional methods for detecting ADEs (chart audits, voluntary reporting) are often ineffective and costly.
- Existing computerized ADE detection methods are effective but require expensive, customized software.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel, low-cost "trigger tool" for detecting ADEs.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of this adapted technique in identifying medication errors and adverse clinical events.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modified automated technique, termed the "trigger tool", for ADE detection.
- Focused on a "low tech" approach, adapting existing automated methods.
- Compared the trigger tool's performance against traditional reporting methodologies.
Main Results:
- The trigger tool significantly increases the rate of ADE detection.
- Detection rates were approximately 50-fold higher compared to traditional reporting methods.
- This method offers a more cost-effective approach to identifying drug-related adverse events.
Conclusions:
- The trigger tool is a highly effective and efficient method for detecting ADEs.
- This low-cost, adaptable technique can substantially improve patient safety by identifying medication errors.
- Healthcare systems can benefit from implementing this tool to enhance pharmacovigilance.