Availability of hospital pharmacy services and medication errors: Incidence, severity, and routes of administration.

摘要

This study analyzed medication errors at an acute care, community, general hospital in New York State. A total of 752 documented medication errors that occurred over an 18 month period, were reviewed. Secondary data analysis generated both descriptive and inferential statistics that examined medication error rates, severity levels, and medication routes of administration when hospital pharmacy services were available and absent. Chi square analysis, ANOVA, and Post hoc comparisons (Tukey HSD) revealed statistically significant associations between medication error rates, severity levels, and injectable medication error rates. Results from this study will provide valuable information and guidance that can be used by hospitals and healthcare regulatory bodies to focus future medication safety efforts, resources, and standards.