Medical errors and hospital actions concerning drug preparation and administration

Abstract

This study aimed to identify nursing team errors regarding drug preparation and administration, and the actions taken by the hospital where the errors occurred. This quantitative and descriptive study was developed at a hospital in the State of Minas Gerais with 72 participants. The study identified 181 errors. Lack of patient monitoring after medication was the chief error with 60 (33%) occurrences, no patient assessment happened in 36 (20%) instances. Hospital actions subsequent to a medical error were in 24 (41%) cases a warning. In 17 (29%) cases no action was taken. In conclusion, the incidence of medical errors is frequent and serious. The hospital practice of warning the professionals after a medical error can be seen as a punishment to those involved