1 Seven thousand five hundred and twenty-six prescriptions written for eight hundred and forty patients in three hospital wards have been analysed for errors of drug use and errors of prescription writing. 2 According to the criteria adopted for this survey, more than 3% of prescriptions contained an error of drug use and more than 30% an error of prescription writing. 3 The incidence of adverse drug reactions, overdosage and undertreatment might be reduced by more careful prescribing.
A survey of one hundred patients submitted to autopsy has been carried out to assess the contribution of investigational procedures, surgery and drug therapy to death.
In nineteen patients drug therapy, usually appropriate and necessary therapy, was thought to have contributed to death. In five patients failure to continue therapy properly contributed to death.
The survey was not representative either of patients dying in hospital or in the community, but it suggests that a larger and more comprehensive survey should be undertaken.
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