Table 5.

Proposed solutions for medication errors

TYPE	SUGGESTED INTERVENTIONS	REMARKS
Technology solutions	E.g. Barcode assisted labeling	Barcode is scanned before administration. The system displays appropriate alerts E.g. allergy alerts (stored in patient records) or reminders to dilute vasoactive agents or crosscheck for interactions Effective. Involve additional cost, Information management systems
Standardization	Standardized arrangement of drug tray Standardized storage areas Standardized drug concentrations (especially vasoactive agents) Standard drug color-coding systems (ASTM coding) Labeling protocols Non-interchangeable connectors	Helps to pick the right drug quickly during an emergency Decrease time wasted for searching Prevent wrong dozing. Easy handover among OR and ICU personnel. In an emergency, less attention is necessary to appreciate the color than to read the entire label. Avoid errors due to misreading labels. Contrasting background Tall man lettering of similar drugs. E.g. DOPamine, DOBUTamine. Label material should allow writing with ball pen without smudge This along with color-coded and boldly labeled extension lines prevent wrong-route administration.
Pharmacy solutions	Barcoded prefilled syringes Prediluted infusions Avoidance of lookalike containers	Involves additional cost. Might not be possible at all centers

OR- Operating room, ICU-Intensive care unit, ASTM- American Standards of Testing and Materials