A medication error could lead to serious injury or death to a patient. However, several changes can be made to reduce the odds of a mistake happening. For instance, a name alert could be used to differentiate between patients who have similar last names like Johnson and Johnston. Another step that can be taken is to add a zero in front of decimal points.
The use of the zero would clarify that a patient should receive 0.25 milligrams of a certain medication as opposed to 25 milligrams. Proper documentation in general can also reduce the number of medication errors and adverse outcomes for patients. This may avoid a situation where a bottle is incorrectly labeled and the patient gets the wrong medication or vice versa. Labels should also be read to check for expiration dates before being given to a patient.
Having an up-to-date drug guide may also be helpful in reducing medication errors. Knowing not to crush a certain medication or how it may interact with other medications a patient already takes may avoid an adverse outcome before it is allowed to happen. A drug guide may also identify side effects or adverse reactions in patients, which may enable that person to get help quickly.
An injured worker may be entitled to benefits that may help to pay for some or all medical expenses related to the workplace injury. This may include any medication that a worker is prescribed to treat chronic pain or other symptoms that an individual may experience. An attorney might be able to help an injured worker recover the necessary compensation in a timely manner.
