The influence of formulation and medicine delivery system on medication administration errors in care homes for older people

Abstract

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A comparison of medication administration errors from original medication packaging and multi-compartment compliance aids in care homes: A prospective observational study

“…8,16 This definition is consistent with previously conducted studies. 5 The British National Formulary 17 was used as a reference, for example, to identify medications with food-specific administration requirements.…”

“…1 Alldred et al also identified in adjusted analyses of CHUMS data that there was a statistically significant doubling of the odds of a MAE for tablets and capsules administered from original packaging (OP) compared to multi-compartment compliance aid (MCA) medication administration systems (odds ratio=2.14, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02 to 4.51). 8 However, CHUMS was not specifically designed to compare the accuracy of medication administration between these two medication administration systems. 8 CHUMS recommended that research should be conducted into the effectiveness of MCAs.…”

What is the place for monitored dosage systems?

“…Some patients can manage their own medicines with them, and supervision may be easier, or care staff can administer using MDS with the claim this is quicker and more convenient. This is partly supported by research but the evidence is incomplete 6. There are claims there is less need for additional training on medicine administration with MDS.…”

“…This increases the time taken to dispense the medicines and incurs additional staff costs 6. The repackaging may increase the chance of mistakes being made, particularly if many are done at the same time 5.…”

Evidence and tips on the use of medication compliance aids

“…There are no reliable data about the overall cost of these devices to the NHS 11. As shown in figure 2, typically they require manual pill-by-pill filling by a dispensing technician, followed by a thorough dispensing accuracy check, in addition to the clinical check provided by the pharmacist.…”