Patients High health risks due to medication errors

Avoid risks due to incorrect drug intake
In Germany, there are approximately 250,000 hospital admissions per year due to adverse drug reactions that are attributable to medication errors. The "International Patient Safety Day" should help to reduce the health risks of improper use.

Every fourth German takes several medications daily
Health experts have been calling for years to better protect patients from medication errors. Common medication errors include interactions between drugs. In this country, a very large part of the population relies on taking several medications. For example, a survey commissioned by the Federal Association of German Pharmacist Associations (ABDA) showed that around one in four people in Germany take several pills a day at the same time.

The "International Patient Safety Day" under the slogan "Avoid Medication Errors Together" should help to reduce the health risks of improper drug use.

Every year about one quarter of a million hospital admissions are attributable to medication errors. The health risks of improper intake must be reduced. (Image: Robert Kneschke / fotolia.com)

Health hazards due to improper use
Federal Health Minister Hermann Gröhe, who has taken the patronage, said in a statement: "Medicines are in many cases crucial for the healing process - at the same time there are health risks due to improper ingestion. With the new action plan for drug therapy safety, which the Federal Cabinet decided in August, we promote the safe handling of medicines. "

"From October, every insured who uses at least three prescribed medicines will be entitled to a medication plan. Especially for older, chronic and multiple ill people that is a great help, "said the CDU politician. From 2018, the medication plan should also be available electronically from the health card. Especially for seniors this should be helpful to keep track of medications taken.

Quarter million hospital admissions could be avoided
According to the ministry's announcement, adverse drug reactions affect people who use multiple medicines at the same time over the long term. About five percent of all hospital admissions are therefore due to unwanted side effects of drugs, a quarter of which could be avoided. This means that approximately 250,000 hospital admissions per year are estimated to be due to avoidable medication errors. (Ad)