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Underlying risk factors for prescribing errors in long-term aged care: a qualitative study
Amina Tariq1, Andrew Georgiou1, Magdalena Raban1
1Centre of Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
BMJ Quality & Safety
|October 16, 2015
Summary
Systemic issues in Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs) contribute to medication errors. Improving communication, team coordination, and staff management is crucial for safer prescribing in RACFs.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Services Research
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Prescribing errors pose a significant risk in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).
- Identifying system-related factors is essential for improving medication safety in aged care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify system-related risk factors contributing to prescribing errors in Australian RACFs.
- To explore factors influencing unsafe prescribing practices within RACFs.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study conducted in three Sydney RACFs.
- Employed non-participant observations, semistructured interviews, and artefact analysis.
- Utilized process activity models and content analysis for data triangulation.
Main Results:
- Key themes identified: communication systems, team coordination, and staff management.
- Communication issues included poor information access, inadequate handovers, and manual chart reviews.
- Team and staff management factors comprised unclear responsibilities, limited doctor engagement, time constraints, and high staff turnover.
Conclusions:
- Laborious medication information exchange methods contribute to prescribing errors in RACFs.
- Multifaceted interventions, including technology and communication protocols, are needed to enhance collaborative prescribing.
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