Risk Factors for Medication Errors

• problems in drug product nomenclature, packaging and labeling?

• problematic dosage forms?

• high risk drug categories?

• equipment failure or malfunction?

• medication availability?

• medication outdating?

• drug storage?

• drug preparation and dispensing?

• the drug distribution system, using unit dosing when possible?

• labeling errors?

• illegible handwriting?

• improper transcription?

• abbreviations inapproprite for prescribing?

• verbal (orally communicated) orders?

• accuracy of dosage calculation?

• problems in communications?

• hiring and training of personnel?

• personnel workload and fatigue?

• lapses in individual performance?

• environmental factors (lighting, noise, interruptions)?

• work shift problems, including weekends and holidays?

• patients with special needs?

• patients who require a large number or amount of medication?

• timing drug administration?

• omissions in administration?

• route of administration?

• documentation of administration?

• patient monitoring?

• drug level monitoring when appropriate?

• disease monitoring?

• providing effective policies and procedures?

• properly functionng oversight committees?

• adequate problem reporting and handling system?

• adequate performance review?