Are Medications A Prescription For Medical Errors And What You Can Do To Help Prevent Them

According to The Joint Commission Sentinel Event Statistics, medication error events reached an all-time high in 2007. Statistics for 2008 reveal medication errors at 8.7% of all medical errors reported.

The Federal Drug Administration determined the most common fatal medication errors were:

· Administration of an improper dosage (41%)
· Administering the wrong drug (16%)
· Improper route of administering the drug (16%)

The FDA concluded people over the age of 60 comprised almost one-half of the fatal medication errors, likely because of a higher risk in this age group due to multiple medications prescribed. Children were also found to be in jeopardy as medications strengths are prescribed based on their weight. An inaccurate calculation can be fatal in children.

These frightening statistics demonstrate the grave possibility of medical errors or prescription malpractice occurring. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of a medical error.

· Ask your doctor what medication you are being prescribed and what its intended function is. Request the purpose of the medication be included on the prescription order. This can clarify which medication the pharmacist is to dispense if there is any confusion with the doctor’s handwriting or abbreviations.

· If you are in the hospital, ask the doctor what medications have been prescribed and why. If your medical condition prevents you from obtaining this information, have a family member or friend inquire.

· Be sure you understand the directions for taking the medication. If the dosage is 4 times daily, ask whether this means every six hours or 4 times during waking hours. Some medications need to taken with food to avoid gastrointestinal aggravation. Other medications, food or beverages may interact negatively with already prescribed medication. Storage of your medication is another question to ask. Does it need to be kept in the refrigerator or a cool dark place?

· Side effects of medications can cause unpleasant symptoms or urgent medical situations. Be sure that your doctor or pharmacist explains the possible side effects and what to do if any side effects occur.

· Read the prescription bottle label every time you take your medication. Many pills and tablets appear similar and are easily mistaken. If your medication is in liquid form, use the measuring device provided with the medication. Do not use tablespoons or teaspoons from your kitchen.

· If you are taking multiple medications, have the pharmacist prepare your prescriptions in blister packs to assist you in taking your medications at the appropriate time. Blister packs divide your prescriptions into individual dosages and indicate what time each dosage is to be taken.

· Compile a complete list of your medications, including any over the counter pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies, dietary supplements, vitamins, laxatives, sleeping aids and birth control pills, and provide it to your doctor. Bring the list with you each time if you visit more than one doctor.

· Advise your doctor and pharmacist of all drug allergies. When you are prescribed a medication, double check with the doctor that is not part of the drug family that caused you to have a previous allergic reaction.

· Fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy so one pharmacy has your complete records. When you pick up your prescription, check the name and dosage on the bottle. If it is a repeat prescription examine the tablets to make sure they are the same color and shape as previous prescriptions.

Medical errors happen. Your best defense against a medical error is taking a pro-active stance in your healthcare. If you suspect that you are the victim of prescription medication malpractice you should contact a qualified medical malpractice lawyer immediately for advice.

Attorney Richard Hastings, for the past two and one half decades, has been helping injured clients and families collect millions of dollars in losses ranging from motor vehicle accidents to wrongful death, to medical malpractice. He is the founder of Selectcounsel, LLC, a free service that helps you find one of the best lawyers in your area and is the author of the books “How To Find A Great Lawyer” and “Understanding And Improving The Value Of Your Personal Injury Case.”
Please visit http://www.SelectCounsel.com to see how they can find you one of the best lawyers in your area for your serious injury or medical malpractice case.