Evaluation of prevalence, distribution and types of drug errors reported in Besat Medical Center of Hamadan during 2014-2015

Regarding the high frequency of drug errors and its importance in increasing financial costs and health of the patients, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence and types of drug errors among medical and nursing team.

In this cross –sectional study, of 903 medical errors, 385 reported drug errors were recorded in safety unit and mortality and morbidity committee of Besat Hospital in Hamadan during 2014-2015. The data were gathered in a checklist, including the types of drug errors, the wards and time of occurrence.

Of the 903 reported  medical errors totally, only 385 drug errors was reported (42.6%). The most errors were in dose of medicines (22.8%) and false timing of drug delivery (19.7%). The highest rate of drug error was reported in surgical (11.6%) and pediatrics (9.8%) wards.

The results showed that improving pharmacologic knowledge of nurses and physicians is important on of the patients’ safety. It is required to implement credit scales by the management team to lower incidence of drug errors.