Preventing Medication Errors

Preventing Medication Errors
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Preventing Medication Errors
The Healthcare Problem
Medication errors are one of the major challenges facing the global healthcare sector. Preventing these errors can be integral in ensuring patient safety and consequently improving patient outcomes. According to Oñatibia-Astibia et al. (2022), not only do medication errors jeopardize patient safety, but they are also linked with higher rates of hospitalization, mortality, and morbidity. Furthermore, they account for more than 1% of healthcare expenditures globally (Oñatibia-Astibia et al., 2022). In essence, it is the interest of the global healthcare system to find solutions to medication errors. One of the main contributors to medication errors is communication challenges. In this case, communication is the verbal, non-verbal, written, or digital exchanges regarding medication between healthcare professionals, patients, and family members (Syyrilä et al., 2023). Medication errors can also arise from different hierarchy levels within a healthcare organization. For example, failure by the administration to communicate expectations about safety guidelines can lead to medication errors.
While medication errors affect the global healthcare system, solutions can be implemented at the organizational level. As a floor nurse, I have to uphold the principle of nonmaleficence. I have to communicate with relevant interdisciplinary team members to ensure patients receive correct medications during their hospital stay. Doing no harm is a principle I hold dearly, and therefore, finding solutions to medication errors is extremely important to me. Exploring solutions to medication errors provides me with enhanced knowledge and awareness to be in a position to address the challenge