Reducing Medication Error Through a Collaborative Committee Structure

An Effort to Implement Change in a Community-Based Health System

Abstract

Objectives: 

This article describes a methodology for implementation and sustainment of continuous quality improvement initiatives through committee structures aimed at reducing medication error rates.

Methods: 

A committee structure was developed in a collaborative effort to analyze and reduce medication error rates. Interdisciplinary teams comprised of frontline staff met regularly to identify and resolve trending medication safety events and prepare and deliver education for staff. Continuous quality improvement initiatives supported by these committees included technical handling and administration of medication, medication reconciliation, and enhancements to standardized treatment protocols. Data were collected through a voluntary electronic safety event reporting system between March 2013 and March 2016, to evaluate the rate of medication errors and near-misses.

Results: 

A retrospective analysis of reported medication errors and near-misses was conducted. The medication error rate significantly declined over the study period as the rate of near-misses conversely increased.

Conclusions: 

Initiatives supported by the oversight of collaborative committees were successful in decreasing medication error rates.