Tag: Healthcare safety

According to a 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine, medication errors were a significant contributor to avoidable patient deaths, highlighting the critical importance of safety protocols in healthcare. Central to minimizing these risks are the foundational principles that define **what are the 3 checks and 5 rights?** in medication administration.

Approximately 25% of medication errors reported to national programs are due to look-alike and sound-alike (LASA) drug names. Understanding **what drug names are frequently confused** is a critical step for patients and healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and prevent potentially harmful mistakes. This guide explains why these errors occur and offers proven strategies for reducing risk.

Medication errors are a significant cause of harm in healthcare, but adhering to fundamental safety checks can prevent them. A standardized approach known as the five principles of giving medication is a cornerstone of safe practice, focusing on delivering the right treatment to the right person. These principles serve as a critical framework for all healthcare providers to ensure accuracy and reduce risks during the medication administration process.

Since 2001, more than 150,000 patients have been impacted by unsafe medical injections due to lapses in infection control. A critical and non-negotiable component of preventing such harm is adhering to the strict **one-needle rule**, also known as the 'One & Only' principle from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).