ADULT INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

PREDISPOSING FACTORS AND BARRIERS AGAINST MEDICATION ERRORS

Abstract

This article aimed to describe the main predisposing factors and preventive measures against medication errors in adult patients admitted to intensive care units. This is an integrative review of the literature carried out on materials indexed in the Virtual Health Library (VHL): Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Database of Nursing data (BDENF), Index Medicus for the Western Pacific (WPRIM) and the Spanish Bibliographic Index in Health Sciences (IBECS). The Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) were used in conjunction with the Boolean operator AND and OR. After applying the eligibility criteria, 14 studies were selected to compose this review. It is concluded that among the main predisposing factors associated with medication errors in adult intensive care units are errors in prescribing, preparing, administering and transcribing medications. These errors were associated with a series of risk factors, such as lack of continuity in electronic prescription systems, work overload, lack of knowledge, rush, lack of attention, among others. Among the barrier measures identified included the implementation of computerized prescription systems, such as electronic prescriptions and bar code medication administration systems, the introduction of automated dispensing cabinets and the education and awareness of the healthcare team presented themselves as strategies that played a fundamental role in preventing medication errors.