Description

A patient receiving care in the home may be experience medication errors caused by a range of conditions. Being aware of contributing causes allows for risk mitigation.


Patient selection: home care

 

Causes of medication errors:

(1) polypharmacy

(2) knowledge or cognitive deficits of the patient or caregiver

(3) transcription error

(4) communication error, including language or comprehension

(5) confusion over instructions

(6) medications that sound or look alike

(7) incorrect use of medication dosage boxes

(8) skipped doses (unable to get refills, cost of refills)

(9) fear of side effects

(10) cognitive and/or visual problems


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