Medication errors are extremely common in hospitals and lead to injuries in one to 100 patients, according to statistics. Thirty percent of injuries that occur due to drugs in hospitals in Georgia and around the country are because of medication errors that occur. Similar drug names, lack of support staff, illegible handwriting, distractions in busy and chaotic surroundings, and insufficient time to counsel patients, are all factors that cause health care professionals to make medication errors.
How to prevent medication errors
If you want to prevent medication errors, it’s important to document everything and have proper storage of the medications. It’s also necessary to learn the institution’s medication administration policies, guidelines, and regulations. A drug guide should be available and easy to access at all times in print or electronic form. A physician or nurse should also read the order back to ensure there’s accuracy and to reduce the risk of a medical malpractice claim. Using a name alert can also be helpful and offer accountability to health care professionals and pharmacists.
Who can you contact for legal assistance?
If you have been harmed by medical malpractice while in the care of your doctor, it’s important to hire an attorney who has experience handling similar cases and can help you pursue compensation. The legal professional will review the details of the case and any evidence you’ve collected. They can also attempt to settle outside of court to make the process quicker and more efficient when you have medical bills and lost wages.