Here is my revised copy please take a look thanks :)
Patient safety and promotion of zero medication errors are common goals in every healthcare institution. One of the policies that answers these goals is the policy made by JCAHO that was made effective on January 2004. This guideline is the "do not" use abbreviations. JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) provided institutions with a list of dangerous abbreviations that should be avoided in clinical documentation. Examples of problem abbreviation usage are "U" which is used for units; Q.D. and Q.O.D that are commonly interchanged; MgSO4 and MS that are also confused for one another. Moreover, the Institute for Safe Medication Practice also promotes the consistent application of not using specified abbreviations to prevent errors. The policy recommends not using abbreviations, symbols and acronyms in medical communication. According to ISMP, abbreviations should never be used in "internal external communication, telephone/verbal prescriptions, computer generated labels, labels for drug storage bins, medication administration records, as well as pharmacy and prescriber computer order entry screens."
The use of the said policy is of great advantage to the healthcare system. First and foremost, it ensures patient safety because of the prevention of errors. Secondly, it promotes safe and efficient communication between the health care team. Studies have shown that the use of abbreviations/ acronyms or symbols in medical communication had been one of the reasons of medication errors. Commonly, abbreviations are misinterpreted that leads to unsafe health practice.
Aside from the available policy from the JCAHO, an extensive written policy regarding the said issue should be researched and accomplished. Corresponding sanctions should also be created if the policy is not followed. An extensive policy will result to better outcomes.
In additiion, ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practice) also promotes the not using specified abbreviations in order to prevent errors. Their policy recommends not using abbreviations, symbols and acronyms in medical communication.
According to John P. Santell, MS, RPh, dangerous abbreviations and symbols compromise patient care and cause health team members to commit medication errors. Studies have shown that the use of abbreviations/ acronyms or symbols in medical communication have been one of the reasons for medication errors. Commonly used abbreviations are misinterpreted which leads to unsafe health practice. 498 facilities recorded that about 19,000 errors caused by the use of abbreviations. (USP Center for the Advancement of Patient Safety. U.S. Pharmacopeia's MEDMAR ) In addition, these abbreviations should never be used in communicating with other health team members ; ie prescriptions, nurse's notes, doctor's order, medication treatment records and medication cards. This action will
ensure patient safety as well as promote safe and efficient communication between the health care team.
To augment the policy from the JCAHO, an extensive written policy regarding this issue should be researched and established. Corresponding sanctions should also be created for those not following the policy. An extensive policy will result to better outcomes. Furthermore, the "do not use abbreviation "policy is not enough to prevent medication errors. Along with the use of the policy, proper information dissemination and adequate education of the health care members should be enhanced. I strongly believe that posting the list of the said abbreviations in nursing units, bulletin boards and the internet is not enough to stop errors. Provision to ensure that all medical staff are given appropriate orientation and are fully aware and are following the policy are ways to prevent errors. Also, regular evaluation of the adherence to the policy should also be done. Memos should be given to medical members not following the policy. Strict application of the policy should be implemented to prevent lapses in the adherence to the policy.
JCAHO, ISMP, other private organizations and hospitals have taken the big step to reduce errors caused by the use of abbreviations, symbols and acronyms. However, we can never be too safe. It is important that proper education be given to all the health care members and frequent evaluation be done. Regular seminars should also be conducted for medical, nursing, and pharmacy staff on the potential for misinterpretation whenever a new drug product is added to the facility's formulary. Additionally, it is also a responsibility of the health team to adhere to the policy. Since the policy was started, it is also recommended that a more extensive and an updated written policy be carried out. These steps will enhance the patient's healthcare experience.
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