Translator Spring 2008 - Medication errors, drug related problems and patient safety

Medication errors, drug related problems and patient safety Patient safety is arguably the most important issue facing pharmacy practice today. In this issue of the Translator the prevalence and incidence of drug related morbidities is examined, and possible solutions and the impact of medication reconciliation are discussed. ■ Seventy percent of hospitalizations for drug-related causes are deemed preventable ■ Preventable drug related morbidities occur in about 1 out of every 7 older adults ■ Medication reconciliation helps prevent harm to patients by correcting medication errors at hospital admission and discharge ■ Pharmacists help resolve drug therapy inconsistencies and omissions in patients at time of hospital discharge Canadian Pharmacy  Research  Health Policy  Practice  Better Health