Safety Enhancements Every Hospital Must Consider in Wake of Another Tragic Neuromuscular Blocker Event
This type of error could happen anywhere given current system vulnerabilities frequently found in hospitals, particularly when using automated dispensing cabinets. In fact, ISMP has observed many of the same system vulnerabilities in other hospitals, and they are frequently at the root of a variety of medication errors reported to the ISMP National Medication Errors Reporting Program.
Many Patients Using Anticoagulants Are Taking Aspirin the Same Day
The study, published last month in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that 37.5% of the 6,539 patients reviewed were receiving the anticoagulant warfarin and aspirin without a clear indication, and that these patients were at a significant increase in adverse outcomes.
Q&A: Legal Marijuana Use in Hospitals
At the moment, the laws on this topic are very dependent on where your facility is located, and you should take the time to look up your state laws. This Q&A is meant to clear up some of the broader questions around medical cannabis in healthcare—for patients as well as healthcare employees.
Mix-Ups Between Epidural Analgesia and IV Antibiotics in L&D Units Continue to Cause Harm
These mix-ups mimic previously published events and have similar contributing factors, including look-alike infusion bags, overlooked warning labels, and a point-of-care barcode medication administration system that was not fully engaged. However, unlike the prior events, drug shortages also played a role in the most recent errors.
Incoming EPA rule will change the game on hazardous waste pharmaceuticals
Under the changes first proposed in September 2015, EPA is creating a new subpart P under RCRA that manages hazardous waste pharmaceuticals across a wide array of industries, including hospitals, physician offices, ambulatory care, and other providers who “distribute, sell, or dispense pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, homeopathic drugs, or prescription pharmaceuticals,” according to the EPA.
Controlling Risk Through Medication Communication Best Practices
To minimize the potential for dangerous complications or the need for readmission, medical facilities must take steps to ensure clear communication practices.
Three Ways to Limit Overprescribing Antibiotics in the Urgent Care Setting
In July, CDC researchers published a study in JAMA Internal Medicine that found inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory conditions was highest in the urgent care setting at 45.7% of patient visits. Emergency departments were the second highest at 24.6% of patient visits.
Call to Action: Long-Standing Strategies to Prevent Accidental Daily Methotrexate Dosing Must Be Implemented
Relatively few medications are dosed weekly; thus, accidental daily dosing of oral methotrexate has occurred all too frequently. This type of wrong-frequency error has originated in all stages of the medication use process, from prescribing to self-administration.
Time to Deprescribe? Protect Patients From Inappropriate Medications
Pharmacists can play a key role in helping physicians discontinue inappropriate medications among older adults, researchers wrote recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Q&A: Joint Commission on Medication Management
The discussion at The Joint Commission’s 2019 Executive Briefings on medication management was one of the most far-ranging, with questions on medication compounding, opioids and painkillers, and syringe use asked and answered.