Why should I report?
Medication errors are an important preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. If errors are reported, corrective measures can be undertaken to prevent them. This will improve the safety of the patients.
Moreover, medication error reporting is blame-free.
Are there issues concerning the confidentiality of the patient / person committing error?
There are absolutely no issues regarding confidentiality as the identifier information (like name, hospital number) of either the patient or the person committing the error need not be reported. The details of the reporter are optional and when furnished, will be kept confidential.
What to report?
All medication errors should be reported. Even potential errors (events that have potential to cause error) can be reported. A few examples of medication errors are given above.
Please do remember that there is no blame and you can report any medication error committed by anyone.
Who can report?
Any healthcare professional (doctors, nurses, pharmacists and allied healthcare professionals) can report medication errors.
When to report?
Whenever you come across a medication error, committed by self or anyone, you can report. There is no strict timeline within which it should be reported. But it is advisable to report immediately.
