OBJECTIVES: To describe the nature and scope of the problem of medication errors in health care, with specific implications for error reduction and prevention. DATA SOURCES: Articles and research studies. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the complexity of chemotherapeutic regimens, requirements for supportive care drugs, and the physiologic vulnerability of patients due to their malignancies and intensive therapies, patients with cancer should be the focus of interdisciplinary medication error prevention programs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses play a critical role in patient safety and the implementation of preventive and risk-reducing interventions to improve the drug delivery process.
OBJECTIVES: To describe the nature and scope of the problem of medication errors in health care, with specific implications for error reduction and prevention. DATA SOURCES: Articles and research studies. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the complexity of chemotherapeutic regimens, requirements for supportive care drugs, and the physiologic vulnerability of patients due to their malignancies and intensive therapies, patients with cancer should be the focus of interdisciplinary medication error prevention programs. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses play a critical role in patient safety and the implementation of preventive and risk-reducing interventions to improve the drug delivery process.