Abstract:
Adverse drug events (ADEs) and medication errors (MEs) during hospitalization are common. These result in patient morbidity and even mortality, as well as in increase in management expenses. The main objective of this study was to determine the relationship between MEs and ADEs in an inpatient department setting at Paholpolpayuhasena Hospital between November 1, 2001-January 31, 2002. The frequency and type of both MEs and ADEs were also studied. MEs were categorized into errors during prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administration of medication. ADEs were considered as related to MEs and not-related to MEs. Of data obtained from direct observation of 225 patients (2,766 first dose) hospitalized in 2 medical wards, 196 patients (87.11%) were associated with MEs (946 of 2,766 first dose or 34.20%). 165 (5.96%) were due to error in prescribing, 367 (13.27%) to transcribing, 8 (0.29%) to dispensing and 400 (14.46%) to administration. 60 ADEs was found by intensive patient monitoring. Of these 27 ADEs (45%) were related to MEs, which accounted for 2.85% of all MEs (946) or 0.98% of all doses observed. Of 27 ADEs, 24 were considered preventable. MEs are common, although relatively few result in ADEs.However, those that do are preventable.