Prescribing error reporting in primary care: a narrative synthesis systematic review

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Patient Safety
• Medication Errors

Background:

• Prescribing errors in primary care can lead to significant patient harm.
• Under-reporting of these errors is common, limiting the ability to identify trends and prevent recurrence.
• Complex care organization and prescription transfer can impede effective error reporting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review primary research on barriers and facilitators to prescription error reporting in primary care.
• To identify factors influencing healthcare professionals' ability to report prescribing errors.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across four databases (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science) in July 2019.
• Ten eligible articles were critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.
• Data were synthesized descriptively and narratively.

Main Results:

• Seven studies focused on general practice and three on community pharmacy settings.
• Key themes emerged: definition of an error, reporting culture, reporting processes, communication, and capacity.
• Healthcare professionals recognize the value of reporting but face barriers like time, fear of reprisal, and organizational separation.

Conclusions:

• Despite acknowledging the importance of reporting, significant barriers hinder the implementation of prescription error reporting systems in primary care.
• Addressing time constraints, fear of reprisal, and improving organizational integration are crucial for enhancing reporting.