Critical Analysis of Prescription Errors and Drug-Related Problems in a Hospital Setting: A Study on Patient Safety

Abstract

_{Objectives: This study aims to conduct a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical occurrences recorded at the Prescription Assessment Center, focusing on prescription errors within the context of a university hospital (Onofre Lopes University Hospital). Methods: This research adopted a retrospective methodology, integrating qualitative and quantitative analyses to investigate pharmaceutical occurrences at Onofre Lopes University Hospital (HUOL) in 2022. Focusing on hospitalized adult patients, we evaluated recorded pharmaceutical interventions, covering aspects from indication to the risk of adverse effects. We utilized Python and its libraries for statistical analysis, including descriptive, association, temporal, and comparative analyses, adhering to strict statistical and ethical standards. Results: A total of 1,490 Medication-Related Problems (MRPs) were identified, with an average of 124 records per month, 41% of which were related to elderly patients. Excluding problems related to antimicrobial control, the primary MRPs identified were excessive dosage (26.63%), incomplete prescription (20.37%), and inadequate dilution (17.17%). Among high-risk medications, those most associated with recorded MRPs were 50% glucose (115 occurrences), opioid analgesics (37), and insulins (22). Conclusions: This study highlighted the importance of meticulous prescription evaluation in preventing Medication-Related Problems (MRPs) in a hospital setting. We identified a significant prevalence of MRPs, especially among elderly patients, underscoring the need for careful pharmacotherapy to mitigate risks. The analysis revealed that common errors included inadequate dosages and incomplete prescriptions, with high-risk medications frequently involved. The implementation of prevention strategies and continuous education for healthcare professionals is crucial to minimize the incidence of MRPs and optimize patient care.}