Preventing Medication Errors

Cover via Amazon

"Preventing Medication Errors" is another IOM report. You really have to read this book! I have earmarked more pages in this one than any other. Product labeling, packaging, free samples, inserts, overutilization, underutilization, access to knowledge bases, etc.

What can we do with all of this information? Well, you can collect ALOT of data and make some related process improvements. For instance, how many viral infections were diagnosed at your facility for which an antibiotic was prescribed? Overutilization... is there a CPT code you can track for viral diagnoses - check the database to see if an antibiotic was ordered? How much did the medication cost the facility? What would the savings be if it had not been ordered? Perhaps you can just track the clinic that prescribed the most antibiotics. Just a thought... savings always help rally in the troops when it comes to data.

What about underutilization? How many patients that presented with myocardial infarction received a beta-blocker? How about those diagnosed with a stroke - did they receive an anticoagulant? Osteoporosis - calcium supplement? You can collect some valuable metrics with the information in this book - improve patient outcome and improve the quality of care you provide.

Has anyone else read it?