According to the journal investigations, medication is the most widely used medical intervention. Harm caused by medication is referred to as an adverse drug event (ADE), and includes medication errors, adverse drug reactions, allergic reactions and overdoses. Studies published in the BMJ Quality & Safety journal, British Journal of Nursing and Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice confirm more than 237 million medication errors are made every year in England. These errors are avoidable and the consequences of which cost the NHS more than £98 million and more importantly, over 1,700 lives every year. 5,945 patients in England are reported to have serious, life changing harm in the year to March 20211. The studies also found that 54% of medication errors were made at the point of administration, while around 21% were made during prescribing and 16% during dispensing. The consequences of these errors have an impact on the availability of hospital beds taking nearly 182,000 bed days.
These errors in prescribing and administering medication are avoidable. They could save the NHS millions and reduce the bed crisis substantially.
According to the Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, 72% of the errors have little/no potential for harm but 66 million are potentially clinically significant.
The studies that led to these articles have influenced the Department of Health and Social Care’s decision to commission a new system to monitor and prevent medication errors.
Shoosmiths Serious Injury’s experience of medication errors is varied, and we have acted for many clients who have suffered injury as a result of these errors.
Mr S was attending Addenbrookes hospital to see if he could have a bowel and kidney transplant. He also had his medication reviewed and when discharged home was given new medication. He took the medication which was in fact for another patient and caused him to have a significant internal bleed. He was admitted to hospital and had surgery to save his life. The consequences were serious and he lost the ability to walk unaided and suffered a psychiatric reaction. We were able to obtain substantial compensation which improved his quality of life and funded adaptations to his home.
Ms P was prescribed some medication in error that caused her to have a seizure and had to be admitted to hospital. She suffered a serious psychiatric reaction to the medication error, and we were able to obtain some compensation to enable her to get treatment.
1 British Journal of Nursing - Medication errors: a positive safety culture is key
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This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024
