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Incidence of medication errors in a Moroccan medical intensive care unit
Naoual Jennane1, Naoufel Madani, Rachida Oulderrkhis
1Medical Intensive Care Unit, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco. abouqal@invivo.edu.
Background:
Medication errors (ME) are an important problem in all hospitalized populations, especially in intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of the study was to determine incidence, type and consequences of ME.
Materials And Methods:
Prospective observational cohort study during six weeks in a Moroccan ICU. Were included all patients admitted for > 24 hours. ME were collected by two reviewers following three methods: voluntary and verbally report by medical and paramedical staff, chart review and studying prescriptions and transcriptions. Seriousness of events was classified from Category A: circumstances or events that have the capacity to cause error, to Category I: patient's death.
Results:
63 patients were eligible with a total of 509 patient-days, and 4942 prescription. We found 492 ME, which incidence was 10 per 100 orders and 967 per 1000 patient-days. There were 113 potential Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) [2.28 per 100 orders and 222 per 1000 patient-days] and 8 ADEs [0.16 per 100 orders and 15.7 per 1000 patient-days]. MEs occurred in transcribing stage in 60%cases. Antibiotics were the drug category in 33%. Two ADEs conducted to death.
Conclusion:
MEs are common in Moroccan medical ICU. These results suggest future targets of prevention strategies to reduce the rate of ME.
Insights
Medication errors (ME) are frequent in intensive care units (ICUs). This study found a high incidence of ME and adverse drug events (ADEs) in a Moroccan ICU, with transcription errors being most common.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Patient Safety
- Pharmacovigilance
Background:
- Medication errors (ME) pose a significant risk in hospitalized patients, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs).
- Understanding the incidence, types, and consequences of ME is crucial for improving patient care.
- This study focuses on ME within a specific healthcare setting in Morocco.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of medication errors in a Moroccan ICU.
- To identify the types and consequences of medication errors, including potential and actual adverse drug events (ADEs).
- To provide data for developing targeted prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational cohort study was conducted over six weeks in a Moroccan ICU.
- Data collection involved voluntary reporting, chart review, and analysis of prescriptions and transcriptions.
- Patient eligibility criteria included admission for more than 24 hours.
Main Results:
- A total of 492 medication errors (MEs) were identified, with an incidence of 10 per 100 orders and 967 per 1000 patient-days.
- 113 potential Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) and 8 actual ADEs were recorded.
- MEs most frequently occurred during the transcription stage (60%), with antibiotics being the most common drug category involved (33%). Two ADEs resulted in patient death.
Conclusions:
- Medication errors are highly prevalent in the studied Moroccan medical ICU.
- The findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies to mitigate the rate of ME and improve patient safety.
- Further research into specific error types and contributing factors is warranted.
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