Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://hdl.handle.net/2440/99844
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Investigating the frequency and nature of medication-related problems in the women’s health unit of an Australian tertiary teaching hospital |
Author: | Thompson, R. Whennan, L. Liang, J. Alderman, C. Grzeskowiak, L. |
Citation: | Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 2015; 49(7):770-776 |
Publisher: | SAGE Publications |
Issue Date: | 2015 |
ISSN: | 1542-6270 1542-6270 |
Statement of Responsibility: | Rebecca Thompson, Lisa Whennan, Jasmine Liang, Chris Alderman and Luke E. Grzeskowiak |
Abstract: | Background: Despite the large burden medication-related morbidity and mortality places on the Australian health care system, there is little known about the extent of this problem in a women’s health (obstetric and gynecology) setting. Objective: Determine the frequency and nature of medication-related problems (MRPs) occurring in a women’s health unit (WHU) of an Australian teaching hospital. Methods: A prospective audit of consecutive cases of patients treated in the WHU at a tertiary-level teaching hospital was undertaken by a clinical pharmacist over a 5-week period. Data collected included the following: patient characteristics, type of MRP (using a modified version of the Hepler-Strand classification system), medication involved (according to the World Health Organisation Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system), and clinical significance (using a 2-level severity index). Results: A total of 454 potential MRPs were identified over the 5-week period among 241 patients. A total of 39 MRPs (8.6%) identified were deemed to be of moderate/high clinical significance. The highest number of MRPs (221; 49%) was identified among women admitted following a cesarean delivery, with 83 of 85 women in this group experiencing at least 1 MRP. Additional factors associated with an increased likelihood of patients experiencing a MRP included increased age, length of hospital stay, and number of regular medications taken prior to and during admission (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The widespread nature of identified MRPs in this setting suggests that various approaches to minimizing these problems and mitigating the associated burden on the health care system are warranted. |
Keywords: | Pregnancy; medication errors; safety; obstetrics and gynecology; pharmacy service; pharmacist; perinatal care |
Rights: | © The Author(s) 2015 |
DOI: | 10.1177/1060028015581009 |
Grant ID: | http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1070421 |
Published version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1060028015581009 |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest 3 Paediatrics publications |
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hdl_99844.pdf | Accepted Version | 647.17 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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