Abstract

CARRENO-DUENAS, José Alexander; SANCHEZ, Jesús Oswaldo; BERMUDEZ-SILVA, Carlos Daniel  and  MESA, Mauricio. Chemotherapy medication errors. rev.colomb.cancerol. [online]. 2014, vol.18, n.4, pp.179-185. ISSN 0123-9015.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rccan.2014.08.003.

Objectives: To describe and classify the medication errors that occurred during a 6 months period in oncology, hematology and pediatrics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a 6 month time period sample. The formulations selected were evaluated and classified according to error type, and the existence of patient-related effects were verified in the clinical notes. Findings: A total of 440 formulations were reviewed and 54 errors (12.3%) were identified, with the most frequent being related to prescription. The severity of these errors was potentially harmful. A total of 17 adverse events were identified in patients, and were not associated with deaths or disabilities. Cyclophosphamide, trastuzumab, dexamethasone, among others, were associated with most errors. Discussion: The overall error rate found is comparable with those in the world literature. Despite the complexity of the prescription, these errors remain avoidable, but a prevention program is needed that focuses on educational activities with participation by specialists, pharmaceutical chemists, nurses, as well as patients. © 2014 Instituto Nacional de Cancerología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Keywords : Medication errors; Hospital Oncology Department; Oncology pharmaceutical care; Chemotherapy.

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