meDical errors cHallengesFor tHeHealtH ProFessionals: neeD oF PHarmacovigilance toPrevent

Abstract

The incidence of different aspects of iatrogenic problems due to drugs is Adverse Events (AEs) 3.7%,
Adverse Drugs Events (ADEs) 2.4-6.5%, Adverse Drugs Reactions (ADRs) is 6.7%. Negligence in
serious ADEs and death is 34% and 51% respectively, preventable ADEs is 28-50%. Medication
Errors (MEs) occur most often in prescribing (29-56%). The most common cause of MEs is lack
of knowledge about the drug (29%) and the patient about 18%. MEs result malpractice claims in
13-25% of cases which occur due to mistakes and slips of action & lapses of memory. The MEs can
be prevented by establishing effective Pharmacovigilance control center, which frequently gives
proper guidance to the prescribers. Use of computerized decision for prescription writing, effective
communication with patient, families, pharmacists and nurses and continuing medical education
on information of new drugs and new information on current drugs can be effective tolls to prevent
the errors.
Key Words: Medical errors, Pharmacovigilance, Malpractice, Adverse effects.