Medication Errors Common in Hospital Outpatient Cancer Clinics

Recently, University of Massachusetts Medical School researchers concluded that medication errors are increasingly common at outpatient cancer clinics across the country. The report reviewed nearly 11,000 prescriptions dispensed at adult and pediatric oncology clinics nationwide. The research published in the Journal of Oncology, found medication errors in 18% of pediatric visits and 7% of adult visits.

The researchers also found that patients made dosage mistakes at home due to poor communication between doctors, pharmacists and the patients. The authors concluded that better communication between oncology clinics and pharmacists would prevent many prescription errors. One of the clinics reviewed in the study utilized an electronic record keeping system. Not surprisingly, the computerized system reduced the frequency of medication errors.

The medication error attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers suggest that our readers always check with their nurses and physicians prior to receiving any intravenous medication to make sure that the correct drug and dosage are being supplied.

If you believe you or a loved one is a victim of a medication error, please contact the medication error attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.