Improving Medication Error Reporting Through Clinical Audit and Targeted Interventions in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Shivani Chauhan1, Ankit Gaur2★★ Corresponding author
- 1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacologist, Kailash Hospital, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA.
- 2Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacologist, Kailash Hospital and Heart Institute, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA.
CORRESPONDENCE
Ankit Gaur
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacologist, Kailash Hospital and Heart Institute, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA.
Received: 03-07-2025; Revised: 26-09-2025; Accepted: 14-11-2025.
Volume 19, Issue 2 · pp. 213–219 · PUBLISHED · DOI: 10.5530/ijopp.20260492
ABSTRACT
Aim:Medication errors are a major threat to patient safety, with underreporting driven by fear, stigma, and lack of awareness. This study aimed to improve the culture of medication error reporting in a tertiary care hospital by implementing targeted interventions through clinical audit. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational audit was conducted across two 3-month cycles (March-May and June-August 2023). Errors were classified by NCC MERP guidelines and collected via clinical pharmacologist rounds and voluntary reports. A Medication Safety Committee analyzed Cycle 1 errors and implemented interventions, including staff training, chart reviews, and a comprehensive reporting form before Cycle 2. Results:Reported errors increased from 17 in Cycle 1 to 56 in Cycle 2, indicating improved staff engagement. Transcription errors dropped post-intervention, while administration, documentation, and prescribing errors rose, reflecting broader awareness. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in error type distribution (χ² = 11.95, p = 0.036). Conclusion: Interventions fostered a positive shift toward open reporting and enhanced patient safety. Sustaining this improvement requires longer audit durations, broader interdisciplinary involvement, and digital tools to minimize the burden of reporting.
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Chauhan, S., & Gaur, A. (). Improving Medication Error Reporting Through Clinical Audit and Targeted Interventions in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Indian Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 19(2), 213–219. https://doi.org/10.5530/ijopp.20260492