Enhancing High Alert Medication Knowledge Among Pharmacy, Nursing, and Medical Staff.

Objectives: Limited data exist regarding staff's knowledge and perceptions of high alert medications (HAMs) and associated procedures. Objectives of this study were to conduct an initial assessment of institution-specific HAM knowledge among pharmacy, nursing, and medical staff; implement interventions to enhance staff knowledge of HAMs; and conduct a similar assessment 1 year later to determine if interventions successfully enhanced HAM knowledge.

Methods: A 6-question electronic survey was distributed to 1006 pharmacy staff, nurses, and physicians in June 2009.

Medication errors resulting in harm: Using chargemaster data to determine association with cost of hospitalization and length of stay.

Purpose: Results of an analysis of the economic impact of adverse drug events (ADEs) resulting in patient harm on hospitalization costs and length of stay (LOS) are reported.

Methods: In a retrospective single-site study, medication errors among patients admitted to an academic medical center during the period April 2014-May 2015 were identified using voluntary event reporting system data and diagnosis codes. Hospitalization cases involving documented ADEs resulting in harm, as defined on a widely used medication error classification index, were matched with control cases by admission period, diagnosis-related group, and patient age and sex.

Medication-related falls in the elderly: mechanisms and prevention strategies.

Accidental falls represent a major public health concern for the elderly population. The use of psychotropic medications, cardiovascular medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is associated with an increased risk of falling. The mechanisms by which these medications increase fall risk are not fully understood but may include orthostatic hypotension, sedation, sleep disturbance, confusion, dizziness, and other central nervous system problems.