Ensuring drug safety in the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka
Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, Sri Lanka.
Research Article
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2024, 20(03), 105–110.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2024.20.3.0973
Publication history:
Received on 21 October 2024; revised on 02 December 2024; accepted on 05 December 2024
Abstract:
Background: Medication safety is a fundamental component of patient safety, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Colombo South Teaching Hospital (CSTH), a major tertiary care institution in Sri Lanka, recently transitioned from a paper-based to a computer-based health information management system in its Outpatient Department (OPD) to improve medication safety and operational efficiency. This study evaluates the impact of these interventions on drug safety.
Methods: This interventional study employed a pre- and post-implementation analysis at CSTH. The study combined qualitative methods, including focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews, and direct observations. Participants included medical officers, pharmacists, patients, and hospital administrators. Data collection focused on challenges in the previous paper-based system, the features of the new computer-based system, and improvements in medication safety.
Results: The previous paper-based system exhibited several challenges, such as illegible handwritten prescriptions, limited access to prior patient records, and lack of continuity in treatment plans. Pharmacists faced difficulties interpreting prescriptions, which affected patient counseling and drug dispensing efficiency. The newly implemented computer-based system addressed these issues effectively. Key improvements included:
Accurate and Clear Prescriptions: Standardized and comprehensive prescriptions minimized errors.
Patient Record Accessibility: Enhanced access to medical histories and allergy information facilitated safer prescribing practices.
Medication Safety Initiatives: Pre-packed drugs, detailed labeling, and alert systems for look-alike and sound-alike drugs significantly reduced medication errors.
These interventions improved patient safety, operational efficiency, and adherence to clinical governance principles.
Discussion: The e-based system has demonstrated measurable benefits, aligning with global patient safety objectives. Enhanced prescription accuracy, reduced drug-related errors, and improved patient satisfaction underscore the system's effectiveness.
Recommendations: Scaling these interventions across other healthcare institutions in Sri Lanka and integrating them into national policies is recommended. Regular updates to alert systems, ongoing staff training, and periodic evaluations will ensure sustainability and continued improvements.
Conclusion: This study highlights the significant improvements in medication safety achieved through a comprehensive bundle of interventions in the CSTH OPD. These findings offer a framework for enhancing drug safety and patient care in broader healthcare settings.
Keywords:
Medication Safety; Computer-based System; Patient Safety; Operational Efficiency
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Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0