Medication errors in obstetrics.

The findings highlighted in this article suggest that obstetricians and perinatologists face several challenges for safe medication use during pregnancy. Furthermore, evidence of in-hospital medication errors from obstetric services has been provided by national medication error data voluntarily submitted from many hospitals. The data provide fresh insight into the nature of medication errors in obstetrics, especially regarding the medication use process, the most common types of errors reported, the most commonly reported products overall, as well as those that resulted in patient harm. Providers and staff working within health care organizations should be well aware that a substantial number of patients experience medication errors which can result in serious injuries.