Understanding Medication Errors in Intensive Care Settings and Operating Rooms-A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Medical Safety
• Pharmacology
• Healthcare Administration

Background:

• Medication errors pose a significant risk to patient safety and health.
• The precise scale of medication errors in critical care settings remains poorly understood.
• Errors can occur at any stage of medication administration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize research on medication error rates.
• To specifically investigate medication errors in operating theatres and intensive care units.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted in Q3 2023.
• Searched databases: Science Direct, EBSCO, PubMed, Ovid, Scopus.
• Included original research published in English (2017-2023) meeting PICOS criteria.

Main Results:

• Included 13 articles and original studies.
• Operating theatre medication error rate: 7.3% to 12%.
• Intensive care unit medication error rate: 1.32% to 31.7%.

Conclusions:

• Medication errors are prevalent in operating rooms and intensive care units.
• Observed rates are comparable to the World Health Organization's general Medication Error Index.
• Findings underscore the need for continued focus on medication safety in critical care environments.