Analysis of MEDMARX data found that computerized systems did not prevent errors associated with dispensing and administering medications.

Avoiding use of unclear or misleading abbreviations is a key step in preventing medication prescribing errors, and the Joint Commission mandates avoiding specific abbreviations as one of its National Patient Safety Goals. This study analyzed Medmarx data from 2004 to 2006 to determine the prevalence and impact of errors related to abbreviations. Despite dissemination of the Joint Commission's “do not use” abbreviation list, errors involving these abbreviations occurred more than 18,000 times during the study period, although few patients were harmed as a result.

The author discusses the role that human error plays in the failure of technological solutions employed to minimize medical mistakes.

The author analyzes error data submitted to Medmarx over a 5-year period and makes recommendations for the safe use of neuromuscular blocking agents.

Medication reconciliation represents an active effort of hospitals across the country to comply with recent additions to JCAHO's National Patient Safety Goals. Using data captured from USP's Medmarx program, this study discusses the errors that resulted after implementing a medication reconciliation process. Based on analysis of more than 2000 reconciliation-related errors, the author presents the distribution of errors by category (eg, potential error, intercepted error), types of errors (eg, improper dose, wrong drug, wrong time), and leading causes and contributing factors. The author also provides case examples for reconciliation errors at admission, transfer of care, and discharge. A past study also discussed practical strategies for implementing medication reconciliation processes.

The authors use data from United States Pharmacopeia Medication Errors Reporting Program to illustrate look-alike/sound-alike errors and provide strategies to minimize their occurrence.

This study analyzed US Pharmacopeia's MEDMARX error-reporting database to describe characteristics of medication errors resulting from wrong administration techniques. The authors discuss the severity of errors captured and their location of origin, in addition to the most frequent contributing factors, which included performance deficit and failure to follow a protocol. Drawing from more than 7200 wrong administration technique errors, a number of true case examples are provided to illustrate the nature and scope of the problem. The authors conclude with a series of recommendations focused on greater training in administration techniques (eg, infusion pumps and dispensing devices) as well as education on a number of high-risk medications implicated in the findings.

Using Medmarx data from 2001 through 2003, the authors analyze pediatric medication errors and provide suggestions for minimizing errors in pediatric patients.