Medication errors in nursing homes are a serious and unfortunately common issue that can have devastating consequences for residents. Here are some key points about medication errors in nursing homes:
A. Medication errors refer to any mistakes made in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications to residents. Common types include:
- Giving the wrong medication or wrong dosage[1]
- Giving medications at the wrong time[2]
- Administering medications incorrectly (e.g. intravenously instead of orally)[2]
- Failing to review potential drug interactions or side effects[3]
B. Causes of Medication Errors
- Staff fatigue and overwork due to understaffing[2]
- Lack of training or inexperienced staff[2]
- Poor medication management systems and documentation[4]
- Not reviewing patient medical histories or allergies[3]
Medication errors can lead to serious harm like worsening medical conditions, increased medical costs, and even death for nursing home residents.[3] Residents who are overmedicated may experience severe side effects like dizziness leading to falls and injuries.[1]
Nursing homes have strict regulations they must follow regarding ordering, storing, administering, and monitoring medications.[4] When these standards are not met due to negligence, nursing homes can be held liable through medical malpractice lawsuits.[3]
To prevent errors, nursing homes need proper staffing levels, training, medication management systems, and policies in place.[2][4] Reviewing each resident's medication regimen monthly by a pharmacist is also required.[4]
Citations:
[1] https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-neglect/medication-errors/
[2] https://washingtondc.legalexaminer.com/home-family/why-medication-errors-occur-in-nursing-homes/
[3] https://rhllaw.com/blog/medical-malpractice/seven-common-medication-errors-nursing-homes/
[4] https://bermanlawyers.com/medication-errors-in-nursing-homes/
[5] https://nursinghomesabuse.org/nursing-home-neglect/medication-errors/