System Development for Reducing Medication Error in Tuberculosis Clinic, MUKDahan Hospital

Abstract

Purposes: To develop a system for reduce medication errors and evaluate the effectiveness of this system in the Tuberculosis Clinic, Mukdahan Hospital.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study and prospective cohort study.

Materials and Methods: The retrospective cohort study involves analyzing medication error data recorded in the Ambulatory Care TB Clinic's monthly summary forms between 1 October 2023 and 31 March 2024, before the system development. The prospective cohort study involves analyzing medication error data recorded in the Ambulatory Care TB Clinic's monthly summary forms between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2025, after the system development.

Main findings: Before the system development, the retrospective cohort study recorded 65 medication errors out of 814 prescriptions (7.98%). These included 29 prescribing errors (3.56%), 2 transcribing errors (0.24%), 20 pre-dispensing errors (2.46%), 3 dispensing errors (0.37%), 1 administration error (0.12%), and 10 compliance errors (1.23%). After the system development, the prospective cohort study recorded 29 medication errors out of 861 prescriptions (3.36%). These included 14 prescribing errors (1.63%), 0 transcribing errors, 11 pre-dispensing errors (1.27%), 1 dispensing error (0.12%), 0 administration errors, and 3 compliance errors (0.34%). The system development significantly reduced medication errors (p<.05).

Conclusion and Recommendations: The development of various system models, based on the causes and factors contributing to medication errors in the Tuberculosis Clinic, Mukdahan Hospital, significantly reduced medication errors. However, the system development requires collaboration from all sectors, including the multidisciplinary team, patients, families, and the surrounding community. Continuous system development within the Tuberculosis Clinic will enhance patient care efficiency.