Joint Commission Resources Publishes Book On Preventing High-Alert Medication Errors

Main Category: Litigation / Medical Malpractice
Article Date: 04 Jun 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Medication errors harm an estimated 1.5 million people and result in several thousand deaths annually, according to the Institute of Medicine. While there is some risk involved with all medications, certain medications identified as "high-alert" medications are known to have devastating effects when used incorrectly. "High-Alert Medications: Strategies for Improving Safety," a new book from Joint Commission Resources (JCR), can help health care organizations reduce the risk of high-alert medication errors. JCR is a not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission.

This book demonstrates how high-alert medications can be made safer by improving the processes of selection and procurement, storage, ordering and transcribing, preparation and dispensing, administering, and monitoring. "High-Alert Medications Strategies for Improving Safety" also offers methods for educating caregivers and patients on the use of high-alert medications. Additional topics covered include:

- Reasons and benefits of using both high-alert medications such as anticoagulants, sedatives, narcotics and insulin, and high-alert processes such as chemotherapy, compounded sterile products and pediatric medications;
Potential side effects of high-risk medications; - Importance of follow-up monitoring;
- Compliance issues;
- Dietary restrictions;
- Potential for drug interactions; and
- Safety precautions.

"High-Alert Medications: Strategies for Improving Safety" is available for $75 using order code HAM08. To order this book, call JCR Customer Service toll-free at 877.223.6866, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, weekdays, or visit http://www.jcrinc.com.

Joint Commission Resources, Inc. (JCR), a not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission, has been designated by The Joint Commission to publish publications and multimedia products. JCR reproduces and distributes these materials under license from The Joint Commission. JCR educational programs and publications support the accreditation activities of The Joint Commission, but are separate functions. Attendees at JCR educational programs and purchasers of JCR publications receive no special consideration or treatment in, or confidential information about, the accreditation process. Learn more about Joint Commission Resources at http://www.jcrinc.com.

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