A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine observed medical errors in 36 health care facilities — including hospitals and nursing facilities.

Results showed that 19% of the doses were in error — doses administered other than ordered. Of those reported cases, 7% were judged potential adverse drug events.

Researchers also noted that the “Error rates are likely to be understated because of the large proportion of facilities that declined to participate.”

SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, September 9, 2002; Dynamic Chiropractic, October 21, 2002, p. 1.