Medication error occurrences in ward supply pharmacy, HTAA

The study was discussed on the incident of medication error occurrences in Drug Distribution System in HT AA. This study involved the two main systems applied by HT AA which are Traditional (floor stock) and Unit Of Use (UOU) System. The objectives of our research are; to observe and identify the types of ME that occur in-the ward supply pharmacy (WSP), investigate the main causes that lead to ME and try to obtain the appropriate methods to solve the ME problems. The methodology of the study was concentrated to the observation and questionnaire method. The study subject comprised pharmacy staff, sisters and nurses in wards. Data collection derived from the observation and simple survey from WSP, certain wards and Unit Penyelidikan & Kualiti. These two systems actually have their own advantages and flaws in aspect of management, safety, efficiency and efficacy. Based on our research, we can conclude that, the traditional system is safer than unit of use system, less problem and easier for pharmacy staff to manage. In other hand, we can identify a lot of problems in UOU system which is majority caused by the prescriptions. For instance, most respondents faced many problems in managing the UOU system due to the prescribing errors, blurred or illegible handwritings. In short, UOU system may contribute to more ME occurrences in an inpatient pharmacy rather than Traditional System. All in all, everybody should increase alertness and try to avoid any possibility to make the errors in ordering and supplying the medications. They should co-operate as a team to minimize the medication error and therefore, the quality of life (QOL) of the patients can be improved.