Older Adults Introduction A recent Institute of Medicine report, To Err is Human , has focused attention on the issue of medical error. This report provides an overview of all types of medical errors and mistakes, and makes recommendations for improving the safety of medical care in the United States. ASCP has issued a press release in response to the IoM report. One of the types of medical errors discussed in this report is medication errors.
Medication errors represent only one of the many types of medication related problems.
The members of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists focus on providing pharmaceutical care services to older adults in a variety of settings, including assisted living and nursing facilities. These senior care pharmacists are actively involved in identifying, resolving, and preventing all types of medication related problems, including medication errors. Underuse of medications Untreated indications. The patient has a medical problem that requires drug therapy but is not receiving a drug for that indication. The patient has a medical problem that is being treated with too little of the correct medication.