Medication errors and adverse drug reactions in psychiatry department: A prospective observational study

Abstract

The study was aimed to analyse the pattern of medication errors and drug interaction induced adverse drug reactions in the psychiatry department of a tertiary care hospital. A Prospective observational study being conducted in the inpatient and outpatient department of psychiatry in a tertiary care hospital, Erode, Tamil Nadu for over six months. A total of 80 prescriptions with psychiatric illness and 174 medication errors were observed. Of the 174 medication errors observed, 132(75.8%) were incomplete prescriptions making the highest number of medication errors. The highest number of errors occurred due to Prescription error 156(89.0%), followed by administration error 8(4.5%). According to the NCCMERP classification, the majority of medication errors were coming under category B 120(68.9%) but there is no harm. The demographic reports of outpatients in the present study showed a higher incidence of medication errors in patients with the age group of 31- 40 years 25(36.7%). Considering the factors contributing to a medication error, refusal of the patient to take the drug 27(39.7%) followed by forgetting 13(19.1%) due to the vulnerable characteristics of the patient was more significant. Although there is a general lack of awareness, many patients and bystanders are unaware of their diagnosis and medications. It is, therefore, a crucial step to educate and make them aware of the correct use of medicine.