Year: 2025 | Month: January | Volume: 15 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 219-223
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250128
Critical Illness & Medication Errors
Parmee Gala1, Darshana Rathod2, Mayur Patel2
1Central Hospital Pharmacy Operations, Tata 1mg Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India
2Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, India
Corresponding Author: Parmee Gala
ABSTRACT
Medication errors (MEs) in critically ill patients are a significant concern, posing serious risks to patient safety, healthcare costs, and patient outcomes. Despite advances in medical technology and scientific knowledge, MEs remain prevalent due to complex processes involved in the medication use system. These errors can occur at various stages, including prescription, preparation, administration, and monitoring, with the highest frequency noted during administration. Factors contributing to MEs in critical care settings include patient-related variables such as illness severity, age, and prolonged hospital stays, as well as medication-related issues like polypharmacy and drug interactions. Additionally, critical care environments with high-stress conditions, multidisciplinary teams, and challenging working hours exacerbate the risk of errors.
The repercussions of MEs are far-reaching, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and substantial healthcare costs. Preventing these errors requires a concerted effort from healthcare providers, patients, and management. Strategies to reduce MEs include optimizing medication processes through technology such as computerized physician order entry (CPOE), barcoding, and standardized protocols. Error interception methods, including double-checking high-risk medications and promoting a non-punitive culture for error reporting, are essential in mitigating risks. Education, training, and active patient engagement also play critical roles in preventing errors.
Pharmacists play a pivotal role in critical care by providing comprehensive medication management, ensuring accurate drug dosing, preventing adverse drug events, and contributing to quality improvement initiatives. By incorporating these strategies, healthcare systems can improve patient safety, reduce preventable errors, and enhance overall care in critical care settings.
Key words: Medication errors, critical care, healthcare costs, medication administration, pharmacist interventions,