Workload Stress Among Pharmacists Linked to Increased Medication Errors

Recent research published in the rnational Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics highlights a significant link between pharmacist overwork and the occurrence of medication dispensing errors. The study, conducted at a large outpatient medical center, emphasizes that systemic workplace issues and high workload levels contribute to errors that can compromise patient safety.

The researchers utilized a combination of situational analysis, detailed interviews, and comprehensive surveys to develop a human-centered understanding of the factors influencing medication safety. Instead of attributing mistakes solely to individual negligence, the study examined environmental, cognitive, and systemic pressures impacting pharmacists.

Pharmacists frequently reported experiencing higher workloads compared to other healthcare professionals, with challenges such as intense time pressure, extended periods of standing, bending, and repetitive motions. Notably, half of the pharmacists experienced ongoing musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and knees, regardless of their years of experience or specific job roles. This suggests that physical strain and ergonomic issues are inherent in the current pharmacy work environment.

Key risk factors identified include fatigue, frequent interruptions, and the similarity of medication names and packaging. These factors contribute to human vulnerabilities like cognitive overload and systemic flaws such as inefficient workflow and poor packaging design.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that medication-related harm remains a leading preventable cause of patient injury and death. If classified as a disease, medication errors would rank among the top causes of mortality globally. Addressing this issue requires improving working conditions for pharmacists and enhancing systemic processes from manufacturing to pharmacy shelves, ultimately reducing the risk of dispensing errors.

Source: Medical Xpress