USP: Communication failures lead to perioperative medication errors
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
March 7, 2007
Communication failure is the leading cause of medication errors in the perioperative setting, according to a new MEDMARX report released by United States Pharmacopeia (USP) in partnership with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the Association of perioperative Registered Nurses, and the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses.
The report tracked more than 11,000 medication errors, 5% of which led to harm and four deaths. The report makes 47 recommendations to reduce medication errors, including dedicating a pharmacist to the perioperative unit and improving hand-off coordination.
To read the USP press release, click here.
