NHA help

What should pharmacy staff do after a medication error or near miss occurs?

Report the error according to the pharmacy’s policies and procedures.

What is the purpose of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)?

To identify, review, and improve medication safety and reduce errors.

How often are CQI meetings commonly held?

Monthly.

What are some topics included in CQI safety strategies?

SALAD medications, high-alert medications, error-prone abbreviations, double patient verification, and standardization.

What is root cause analysis?

A process used to identify the main cause of a medication error or problem.

Who is specially trained to help with root cause analysis?

Risk management teams.

How long does The Joint Commission allow to complete a root cause analysis after an event?

Within 45 days.

Should medication errors ever be hidden?

No, errors should never be hidden.

What is a discreet phrase staff can use to notify a pharmacist about an urgent medication error?

“I have an urgent matter to discuss with you.”

Where should medication errors be discussed?

In a private and confidential area.

Who should communicate medication errors to patients?

The pharmacist in charge, according to employer policy.

What is the most important goal when handling a medication error?

Ensuring patient safety and reducing harm.

How should pharmacy staff communicate with patients after an error?

With empathy, active listening, professionalism, and sincerity.

What should staff avoid when speaking to patients about errors?

Making excuses, dismissive comments, or talking down to the patient.

What is an adverse drug event (ADE)?

An injury caused by a medication or medication error.

What is an adverse drug reaction (ADR)?

An unexpected harmful reaction to a medication taken correctly.

What does ISMP stand for?

Institute for Safe Medication Practices

What is the ISMP National Medication Errors Reporting Program (MERP)?

A voluntary program for reporting medication errors and hazards.

What are the goals of ISMP MERP?

To learn causes of errors, prevent future errors, and guide healthcare organizations.

What is the National Alert Network (NAN)?

A system that warns healthcare providers about serious medication errors and hazards.

What is FDA MedWatch?

A national voluntary reporting program for medication errors, adverse reactions, and product quality problems.

What types of issues can be reported to FDA MedWatch?

Side effects, medication errors, product quality problems, and therapeutic failures.

What products does MedWatch cover?

Medications, biologics, medical devices, supplements, cosmetics, and food products.

What does VERP stand for?

ISMP National Vaccine Errors Reporting Program.

What is VAERS?

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, a national system for reporting vaccine adverse events.

Who manages VAERS?

The CDC and FDA.

Which answer choice is the correct national voluntary reporting program?

FDA MedWatch.

In the case study, why did the pharmacist not contact the prescriber?

Because the patient did not take the wrong medication.

What was the correct next step after resolving Mr. Whiteman’s medication error?

Report the error according to pharmacy policy.