For years, intravenous medication errors ranked among the top medical mistakes at hospitals in New York and nationwide. Experts thought that the advent of the IV smart pump would eliminate the issue, but, according to a multihospital study, IV errors are still common.
For years, intravenous medication errors ranked among the top medical mistakes at hospitals in New York and nationwide. Experts thought that the advent of the IV smart pump would eliminate the issue, but, according to a multihospital study, IV errors are still common.
The study found that more than half of IV medication infusions contain errors of some kind. Most of the errors were minor, and a comparison with previous studies found that medication-related errors have dropped significantly since hospitals began using smart pump technology. However, poor clinical practices and deviation from hospital policy still led to frequent IV errors.
Researchers studied 1,164 IV medication administrations given at 10 hospitals, all of which used smart pumps of some kind. They found that 60 percent of IV infusions contained one or more mistakes. Of those mistakes, 65 percent involved labeling or tubing errors. Other mistakes included infusing medications at the wrong rate, administering unauthorized medications and omitting medications. Only five mistakes were determined to have the potential to cause short-term harm to patients. According to the researchers, most IV errors could be prevented if hospitals adopted a closed-loop system in which the medication data must be verified twice before IV infusions can begin.
Victims of a medication error, such as a dosage mistake or receiving an incorrect drug, may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. A successful complaint could lead to a financial settlement that covers current, future medical costs, loss of income, pain and suffering and any other damages a court may deem fit. A personal injury lawyer who focuses on medical malpractice may be able to help the victim file a lawsuit.
Source: Infection Control Today, “Majority of IV Medication Errors Linked to Clinical Practice, Not Technology,” March 8, 2016
