Recognition and Reporting of Medication Errors in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Despite advances in technology, medication errors continue to take a toll on patients, families, and practitioners. Many medication errors go unreported by nurses due to reasons including inability to recognize unsafe practices, fear of consequences of reporting, and a perception that the process is just too complicated. Many nurses acknowledge errors but do so with excuses attached. Although there is some variability in the actual number of medication errors that occur and go unreported, the fact that the errors occur is apparent. Education along with leadership activities; including observation, rounding, coaching, and process improvement/redesign have the potential to improve quality via the increased recognition and reporting of medication errors. This improvement project began the journey to a culture of safety and non-punitive work environment.