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.

Developing an In-House Comprehensive Medication Review Training Program for Clinical Pharmacists in a Finnish Hospital Pharmacy.

Long-term continuing education programs have been a key factor in shifting toward more patient-centered clinical pharmacy services. This narrative review aims to describe the development of Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) Pharmacy's in-house Comprehensive Medication Review Training Program (CMRTP) and how it has impacted clinical pharmacy services in HUS. The CMRTP was developed during the years 2017-2020.

Implementing a New Electronic Health Record System in a University Hospital: The Effect on Reported Medication Errors.

Closed-loop electronic medication management systems (EMMS) have been seen as a potential technology to prevent medication errors (MEs), although the research on them is still limited. The aim of this paper was to describe the changes in reported MEs in Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) during and after implementing an EPIC-based electronic health record system (APOTTI), with the first features of a closed-loop EMMS. MEs reported from January 2018 to May 2021 were analysed to identify changes in ME trends with quantitative analysis.

Dose error reduction software in medication safety risk management - optimising the smart infusion pump dosing limits in neonatal intensive care unit prior to implementation.

Background: Smart infusion pumps with dose error reduction software can be used to prevent harmful medication errors. The aim of this study was to develop a method for defining and assessing optimal dosing limits in a neonatal intensive care unit's smart infusion pump drug library by using simulation-type test cases developed based on medication error reports.

Methods: This mixed-methods study applied both qualitative and quantitative methods.

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).

Compounding Parenteral Products in Pediatric Wards-Effect of Environment and Aseptic Technique on Product Sterility.

Parenteral products must be compounded using an aseptic technique to ensure sterility of the medicine. We compared the effect of three clinical environments as compounding areas as well as different aseptic techniques on the sterility of the compounded parenteral product. Clinical pharmacists and pediatric nurses compounded 220 samples in total in three clinical environments: a patient room, a medicine room and biological safety cabinet.

Facilitators and barriers in implementing medication safety practices across hospitals within 11 European Union countries.

Background: The study was carried out as part of the European Network for Patient Safety (EUNetPas) project in 2008-2010.

Objective: To investigate facilitators and barriers in implementation process of selected medication safety practices across hospitals within European Union countries.

Methods: This was an implementation study of seven selected medication safety practices in 55 volunteering hospitals of 11 European Union (EU) member states.