Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
SHR Neuro Cancer Cardio Lipid Metab Microb
Kopanz, J; Lichtenegger, K; Schwarz, C; Wimmer, M; Kamolz, LP; Pieber, T; Sendlhofer, G; Mader, J; Hoffmann, M.
Risks in the analogue and digitally-supported medication process and potential solutions to increase patient safety in the hospital: A mixed methods study.
PLoS One. 2024; 19(2): e0297491
Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297491
[OPEN ACCESS]
Web of Science
PubMed
FullText
FullText_MUG
- Leading authors Med Uni Graz
- Kopanz Julia
- Lichtenegger Katharina
- Co-authors Med Uni Graz
- Hoffmann Magdalena
- Kamolz Lars-Peter
- Mader Julia
- Pieber Thomas
- Schwarz Christine
- Sendlhofer Gerald
- Wimmer Melanie
- Altmetrics:
- Dimensions Citations:
- Plum Analytics:
- Scite (citation analytics):
- Abstract:
- BACKGROUND: In hospital medication errors are common. Our aim was to investigate risks of the analogue and digitally-supported medication process and any potential solutions. METHODS: A mixed methods study including a structured literature search and online questionnaires based on the Delphi method was conducted. First, all risks were structured into main and sub-risks and second, risks were grouped into risk clusters. Third, healthcare experts assessed risk clusters regarding their likelihood of occurrence their possible impact on patient safety. Experts were also asked to estimate the potential for digital solutions and solutions that strengthen the competence of healthcare professionals. RESULTS: Overall, 160 main risks and 542 sub-risks were identified. Main risks were grouped into 43 risk clusters. 33 healthcare experts (56% female, 50% with >20 years professional-experience) ranked the likelihood of occurrence and the impact on patient safety in the top 15 risk clusters regarding the process steps: admission (n = 4), prescribing (n = 3), verifying (n = 1), preparing/dispensing (n = 3), administering (n = 1), discharge (n = 1), healthcare professional competence (n = 1), and patient adherence (n = 1). 28 healthcare experts (64% female, 43% with >20 years professional-experience) mostly suggested awareness building and training, strengthened networking, and involvement of pharmacists at point-of-care as likely solutions to strengthen healthcare professional competence. For digital solutions they primarily suggested a digital medication list, digital warning systems, barcode-technology, and digital support in integrated care. CONCLUSIONS: The medication process holds a multitude of potential risks, in both the analogue and the digital medication process. Different solutions to strengthen healthcare professional competence and in the area of digitalization were identified that could help increase patient safety and minimize possible errors.