Medication errors have been a long problem that has affected the health industry. There are several serious issues that have developed from medication errors in the health industry. The most critical problem is the loss of human lives (Institute of Medicine, 1999). Secondly, the cost in terms of billions of dollars for additional care has been incurred in terms of losses to hospitals due to the medication errors. Thirdly, the patients and healthcare professionals have lost trust in the healthcare system. In this case, patients have been affected physically and psychologically (Institute of Medicine, 1999). In the case of health professionals, their morale has been reduced and this has been attributed to the frustrations that have developed from not being able to provide for their patients adequately. The society has also been affected through loss of productivity.
Several factors have been linked as causes contributing to medication errors. First, the healthcare system is disjointed (Institute of Medicine, 1999). Secondly, there is the limited focus in terms of prevention of errors in licensing and certification of healthcare professionals. Thirdly, the system for handling medical liability is incapable of ensuring that individuals can learn from the medication errors. Finally, there are little financial incentives that may promote safety in the healthcare organizations (Institute of Medicine, 1999).
The main problem has been linked to the health system and not the individual irresponsibility. As such, the improvement options that have been developed and are being promoted seek to use a four-tier approach (Institute of Medicine, 1999). One of the elements of this approach is to develop leadership on a national level to enhance the development of research tools and protocols that will promote safety (Institute of Medicine, 1999). Secondly, there is the recommendation of developing a nationwide reporting system that has both a mandatory reporting system and a voluntary reporting system. The third element of the approach involves setting up an oversight organization to ensure healthcare standards are improved (Institute of Medicine, 1999). The fourth element involves the implementation of a safety system and promoting a safety culture in organizations where patients are encouraged to be knowledgeable and informed of their medications.
Reference
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi1-KPykZ3LAhXBWBoKHSmkBYIQFggrMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.qu.edu.qa%2Fpharmacy%2Fdevelopment%2Fdocuments%2F14ay%2FTo_Err_is_Human_1999__report_brief.pdf&usg=AFQjCNFhJvrpn8OtoZjrfy9v-3VWjgoahQ&sig2=X1sV0snlG31oy7jQEtAeRA
