Implementing technologies to prevent medication errors at a high-complexity hospital: analysis of cost and results

• Main Author: Vilela,Renata Prado Bereta
• Publication Date: 2019
• Other Authors: Jericó,Marli de Carvalho
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Einstein (São Paulo)
• Download full: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1679-45082019000400301
• topic: Patient safety; Medication errors; Medication systems, hospital; Technology; Accident prevention; Costs and cost analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: To calculate the cost and assess the results on implementing technological resources that can prevent medication errors. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive-exploratory, quantitative study (2007-2015), in the model of case study at a hospital in the Brazilian Southeastern Region. The direct cost of each technology was calculated in the drug chain. Technological efficacy was observed from the reported series of the indicator incidence of medication errors. Results: Thirteen technologies were identified to prevent medication errors. The average cost of these technologies per year in the prescription stage was R$ 3.251.757,00; in dispensing, R$ 2.979.397,10; and in administration, R$ 4.028.351,00. The indicator of medication error incidence decreased by 97.5%, gradually between 2007 to 2015, ranging from 2.4% to 0.06%. Conclusion: The average cost per year of the organization to implement preventive technologies in the drug chain totaled up R$ 10.259.505,10. There was an average investment/year of R$ 55,72 per patient and its association with smaller indicator of incidence of medication errors confirms a satisfactory result in this reported series regarding such investment.