Evaluation of medication admixture and administration process via injectable solutions in emergency settings at Ghaem, Imam Reza and Shahid Kamyab hospitals, Mashhad, Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Emergency department, faculty of medicine, Mashhad university of medical sciences

4 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Correct administration of injectable medicines is important for achieving therapeutic response and therefore treating the patients. Inappropriate medication administration results in complications like drug interactions or adverse reactions. Therefore, the present paper will evaluate the current status of injectable drugs admixture and administration in emergency settings of three educational hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Methods & Materials: In the present study, the emergency wards of Ghaem, Imam Reza and Kamyab hospitals evaluated and total number of 1000 medical records were randomly reviewed during 7 months. The researcher collected information about drugs’ name, administration root and rate, and also the type and volume of diluting solution. Then, this information was assessed based on available scientific guidelines.
Results: Among 1000 medical records which were evaluated during a seven months period, approximately 85.1% of cases were confirmed to be used appropriately. The most common bulk solution used for drug administration was normal saline (66.3%). the most common errors were seen in administration rate and choosing the wrong administration root as intramuscular.
Conclusion: According to our results, more than 80% of injectable drugs in emergency settings of these 3 hospitals in Mashhad are being administered in an appropriate manner according to available guidelines. While the most errors are seen in rate of infusion, it is recommended to plan clinical lessons in order to reeducate the medical staff about administration and preparation of injectable medicines to reduce the rate of unwanted complications. 

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