[Cooperation between physician and pharmacist to determine and resolve errors in concomitant medication previously...

The problems to be resolved were to develop identification schemes for erroneous long-term medication of newly admitted trauma patients, to detect the nature of medication errors and their frequency of occurrence, to demonstrate the effects by therapy corrections, and to ensure the continuation of optimized prescription after discharge. Upon admission of new trauma surgery patients their current prescriptions are compiled and converted to formulary if possible as well as looked over for medication errors. This procedure is accompanied by an evaluation of the latter.In consequence, the surgeon is able to concentrate on optimizing the current medication to prevent subsequent errors and serious complications.To improve the acceptance of the corrected prescription, patients are advised on their discharge by the pharmacist also. The general practitioners of the patients are informed by an additional pharmacy report concerning sustained medication.A correction of medication errors was necessary in 6.17% of the controlled long-term prescriptions and 20.22% of the controlled 4944 patients. The most common problems were dosage errors; the most serious errors were neglected interactions and side effects. By better cooperation of surgeon and pharmacist we can improve the quality of pharmacotherapy of our patients. The correction of long-term prescriptions provides support and better information to the surgeon. Direct and indirect expenses can be reduced.