Between seven thousand and nine thousand patients die each year due to preventable prescription medication errors, according to the National Institute of Health.
These errors can be prevented if manufacturers, distributors, and medical providers ensure there are appropriate safety systems in place. There are several points during the medication process for errors to occur. For example: the wrong medication may be prescribed; a typographical error when transcribing a prescription could lead to a catastrophic or fatal dosage; a pharmacist may dispense the wrong medication altogether; a registered nurse or physician may administer the incorrect type of medication or dose; or there may be a failure to monitor the effects of a medication on a patient.