P988 - MEDICATION ERRORS IN DRUG ADMINISTRATION VIA FEEDING TUBE: ENHANCING SAFETY IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

P988

MEDICATION ERRORS IN DRUG ADMINISTRATION VIA FEEDING TUBE: ENHANCING SAFETY IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

S. Memili^1,*, R. E. Sezer Ceren², K. Akcay³, G. Sain Güven⁴, M. Halil⁵, B. Kelleci Cakir¹

¹Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, ²Department of Surgical Nursing, Hacettepe University Faculty of Nursing, ³Clinical Nutrition Unit, Hacettepe University Hospitals, Adult Hospital, ⁴Department of Internal Medicine, ⁵Department of Internal Medicine Division of Geriatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye

Rationale: Medication errors are common in hospitals, and drug administration via feeding tube is known contributing factor. This study aims to identify the most common errors associated with drug administration via feeding tubes. This abstract presents the interim results of a primary study to develop an evidence-based care bundle for drug administration via feeding tube.

Methods: The prospective observational study was conducted in the internal medicine wards of a tertiary university hospital, with patients receiving medications via feeding tube. Medication errors were categorized into four groups: prescribing, dispensing, administration, and monitoring errors.

Results: A total of 4,204 medication errors were identified across 963 drug administrations involving 11 patients. Of these, 2,945 (70.1%) were administration-prepration, 1,134 (27%) prescribing, 86 (2%) dispensing, and 39 (0.9%) monitoring errors. The most common administration errors were: failure to flush the feeding tube (31.3%), preparation of medications in inappropriate containers (13.5%), lack of precautions to prevent dose loss (8.9%), administration at incorrect times without considering interactions or bioavailability (5.4%), and failure to dilute liquid formulations (5.2%). The most common prescribing errors were: incorrect route (19.6%), inappropriate dosage forms (3.6%), incorrect medication orders (2%), and doses (1.8%). All dispensing errors were related to missed doses listed on the orders or medications that were not available in the hospital. 

Conclusion: Medication errors related to drug administration via feeding tubes are notably high. The prevalence of administration, and dispensing errors highlights the need for developing a dedicated care bundle in this area. Future interventions are necessary to enhance patient and medication safety.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared