Alzheimer’s Society comment on occurrence of drug errors in care homes
Published 6 October 2009
Seven out of 10 care home residents have been subjected to medication errors according to research to be published in Quality and Safety in Health Care tomorrow (6 October, 2009).
The study of 256 residents in 55 care homes found residents took on average eight medicines each and that an average of just under two mistakes were made for each resident. Errors included prescription, dosage, unwarranted drugs and dispensing.
Contributory factors included inaccessible doctors, inadequate medicines training, poor team work between care homes, GP practices and the pharmacy and complicated administrative systems.
'It is very worrying to hear how prevalent errors in medication are in the care homes studied for this research. At least two thirds of people in care homes have dementia. Errors with medication could seriously impact on their quality of life, or worse put their lives at risk.
'Care homes should be recognised as part of the health community. Pharmacists, GPs and older people's mental health specialists must work closely with care home managers to make sure they provide people with dementia with the best possible quality of life. In particular we would like to see more medicine reviews by pharmacists and clinicians to ensure medicines are used safely and effectively.'
Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society
Ends
Notes to editors
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with
dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can
donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
