Applicability of drug-related problem (DRP) classification system for classifying severe medication errors.

Background: Several classification systems for medication errors (MEs) have been established over time, but none of them apply optimally for classifying severe MEs. In severe MEs, recognizing the causes of the error is essential for error prevention and risk management. Therefore, this study focuses on exploring the applicability of a cause-based DRP classification system for classifying severe MEs and their causes.

Patterns of malpractice claims and compensation after surgical procedures: a retrospective analysis of 8,901 claims from the Finnish patient insurance registry.

Background: Invasive surgical procedures carry risk of harm to patients. In addition to avoidable harm, disparities between patient expectations and the outcome of a procedure may lead to patient injury claims. The follow-up of claims and compensation is an important entity for patient safety.

Effectiveness and Treatment Compliance of Salmeterol-Fluticasone Easyhaler Among Patients with Asthma, COPD, or Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome: Real-World Study Findings.

Introduction: For inhalation therapies to be effective, it is crucial that patients manage inhaler use correctly in their everyday life and achieve treatment compliance. We investigated the effectiveness of the salmeterol-fluticasone propionate Easyhaler (SF EH) device-metered dry powder inhaler in a real-world setting in Hungary among adult patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACO).

Methods: A prospective, open-label, multicenter, noninterventional, investigator-sponsored study was conducted in outpatient pneumonology centers.

What Severe Medication Errors Reported to Health Care Supervisory Authority Tell About Medication Safety?

Objectives: This study investigated severe medication errors (MEs) reported to the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) in Finland and evaluated how the incident documentation applies to learning from errors.

Methods: This study was a retrospective document analysis consisting of medication-related complaints and authoritative statements investigated by Valvira in 2013 to 2017 (n = 58).

Results: Medication errors caused death or severe harm in 52% (n = 30) of the cases (n = 58).

Inspiratory Flow Parameters Through Dry Powder Inhalers in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Device Resistance Does Not Limit Use in COPD.

Introduction: Achieving correct inhalation technique through an inhaler to ensure effective drug delivery is key to managing symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, many patients struggle to use their inhalers correctly, with the resultant reduction in therapeutic benefit. Consequently, appropriate inhaler choice is important to maximize clinical benefit.