Medication Errors: Causes, Theories and Interventions

Rationale, aims and objectives: Following heart disease and cancer, medication errors rank third as the leading cause of death in the United States. For the primary care provider, the root causes of medication errors stem from multiple factors. To improve positive learning outcomes for primary care providers in reducing medication errors, this project sets out to examine the utility of educational interventions in improving the present standard of care as it relates to medication error safety and patient outcomes. Methods: A literature review was conducted analyzing recent studies that examined the use of educational interventions in promoting positive learning outcomes for primary care providers with respect to the reduction of medication errors. Results: Five studies were selected focusing on primary care providers with the aim of increasing knowledge and education to reduce medication errors. The studies varied in design, methodology, and assessment criteria. In all but one of the studies analyzed, each respective educational intervention examined was found to have statistically significant positive learning outcomes that promoted the reduction of medication errors. Conclusion: Educational interventions are a good way to promote positive learning outcomes for primary care providers in the effort to reduce medication errors. Taking into consideration the limitations that will need to be addressed in future studies, implementing education and training for primary care providers is a promising option for improving the standard of care with respect to medication error reduction