OBJECTIVES

This study is aimed to find the feasibility and effectiveness of various methods used for detection and identification of medication error and error rate in pediatric ward and to compare the previous report to current data collected

METHODS

It is a prospective interventional study in pediatric ward of tertiary care hospital. The study used two methods for the detection of medication error I.e. direct observation method and medication chart review method. The observation includes only those nurses who involved for preparation and administered the medications to the patients.

RESULTS

A total of 7393 doses are studied during entire study period, in which 2959(40%) were found using direct observation followed by 4434(60%) doses using medication chart review. 228 error were detected, out of which 76(33%) of errors observed during direct observation. Remaining 152(67%) errors gathered during medication chart review. Administration error through direct observation holds the most common errors (55%) followed by errors through medication chart review methods (I.e, 45%). out of 2956 total opportunities for error by direct observation and 4434 by medication chart review, 604 administration error are identified by both methods, in which 333(51%)were identified during the observation session and 275 errors (45%) identified during the chat review, similarly for the factors contributing medication errors, 1223 were identified, in which 370(22%) were identified by direct observation and remaining 953(77.9%) observed by chart review method.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is an attempt to evaluate the feasible and effective methods for detection of medication errors and help to identify medication related discrepancies or issues that could be improved to help increase the quality of care for patients. Clinical pharmacist can make a positive impact on the quality of care of patient. The clinical pharmacist will make recommendations to physicians with evidence to help improve the efficacy and safety of medications.