Assessment of Medication Errors in a Healthcare Setting: A Prescription Audit Study

Introduction: Prescription auditing is crucial for evaluating healthcare quality and optimizing medication usage. Medication errors can occur during prescribing, dispensing, and administration, impacting patient safety. This study aims to assess medication errors across these stages, focusing on prescribing practices using WHO core prescribing indicators.Method: A total of 350 prescriptions were audited to identify errors in prescribing, dispensing, and administration. Prescribing errors were assessed using WHO’s core indicators, while dispensing and administration errors were identified through a review of the prescription process. Errors were categorized into dosage inaccuracies, abbreviation misuse, and documentation lapses for prescribing, and drug dispersion and labelling issues for dispensing.Results: The audit identified 151 prescribing errors, 9 dispensing errors, and 24 administration errors. Major prescribing errors included dosage inaccuracies, abbreviation misuse, and documentation lapses. Dispensing errors were fewer, focusing on incorrect drug dispersion and labelling. Administration errors involved dose omissions and documentation issues.Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of implementing robust quality assurance measures to reduce medication errors at all stages of the medication use process. Enhanced healthcare provider training, particularly in prescribing practices, is essential to mitigate medication-related risks and improve patient safety. The results of this study highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and improvements in healthcare systems to minimize the occurrence of medication errors and enhance the overall quality of care. How to cite this article:Rakholiya R, Shaikh S, Chaniyara H, Bhalodiya P, Mavani V, Nayak S P S, Chakraborthy G S, Vagasiya J, Buddhadev M. Assessment of Medication Errors in a Healthcare Setting: A Prescription Audit Study. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(4):34-42. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202457