To err is human: medication patient safety in aged care, a case study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore an identified medication error using a root cause analysis and a clinical case study. Design/methodology/approach In this paper the authors explore a medication error through the completion of a root cause analysis and case study in an aged care facility. Findings Research indicates that medication errors are highly prevalent in aged care and 40 per cent of nursing home patients are regularly receiving at least one potentially inappropriate medicine (Hamilton, 2009; Raban et al., 2014; Shehab et al., 2016). Insufficient patient information, delays in continuing medications, poor communication, the absence of an up-to-date medication chart and missed or significantly delayed doses are all linked to medication errors (Dwyer et al., 2014). Strategies to improve medication management across hospitalisation to medication administration include utilisation of a computerised medication prescription and management system, pharmacist review, direct communication of discharge medication documentation to community pharmacists and staff education and support (Dolanski et al., 2013). Originality/value Discussion of the factors impacting on medication errors within aged care facilities may explain why they are prevalent and serve as a basis for strategies to improve medication management and facilitate further research on this topic.