Frequently Asked Questions - Medication Errors

Q: Define medication error.

A: The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error and Prevention has approved the following definition of medication error: “Any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm, while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient, or consumer. Such events may be related to professional practice, health care products, procedures, and systems including: prescribing; order communication; product labeling, packaging and nomenclature; compounding; dispensing; distribution; administration; education; monitoring; and use.”

---

Q: What medication abbreviations are dangerous?

A: Prescribers should avoid the use of abbreviations including those for drug names as they can frequently be misunderstood. A number of abbreviations, symbols, and dose designations that have been reported to ISMP through the USP-ISMP Medication Error Reporting Program have been frequently misinterpreted and involved in harmful medication errors. The Joint Commission (JC) has established a National Patient Safety Goal that specifies that certain abbreviations must appear on an accredited organization’s do-not-use list as well. (Source: The Institute for Safe Medication Practices)

---

Q: What are some things I can do to help prevent being the victim of a medication error?

A: The National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) encourages us to think about the "3Rs" for safe medicine use:

Recognizing that all medicines have risks as well as benefits; Respecting the power and value of medicines—properly used; and Remembering that medicine safety is also about personal responsibility—learning what you need to know to use your medicine safely and appropriately.
(Source: AARP.org)

---

Q: Why do I need a medical malpractice lawyer in the wake of a medication error?

A: If you or someone you care about have been injured through a medication error by a negligent health care provider you need a medical malpractice lawyer:

1. to protect your rights
2. to provide a clear answer of what occurs and why
3. to negotiate with insurance carriers to make sure you get the compensation necessary to help you and your family recover and get your life back on track as soon as possible.

If you need a medical malpractice lawyer, contact one of Elk & Elk’s Ohio Attorneys.