Background Medication errors (ME) are an important problem in healthcare, notably in oncology; it has attracted the attention of practitioners because it causes substantial mortality, morbidity and supplementary costs.

Purpose The aim of the present study was to present the case of ME detected in the circuit of anticancer chemotherapy, and type and risk minimisation action.

Material and methods Prospective observational study over 4 months at the National Institute of Oncology. We collected all ME from prescription to administration of anticancer drugs using a notification form provided by the national pharmacovigilance centre (CAPM).

Results During the study period, we collect 50 ME. We analysed the reported cases in collaboration with CAPM. We found: 39 intercepted ME, including 4 errors in preparation, 35 in prescriptions, 10 in therapeutic monitoring, 15 in dose, 6 in posology and 4 drug errors. 11 proved ME were notified, of which 8 were in preparation, 1 administration and 1 error in storage of the drug. Several risk minimisation measures were proposed to prevent such ME: implementation of chemotherapy prescription guides as recommended for intercepting prescription errors and a guide to procedures for administration and training of personal in terms of preparation of chemotherapy.

Conclusion This study confirms the frequency of ME. This observation justifies the setting up of a procedure for analysis of each error using a validated methodology. A preventive strategy combining security prescription, training and storage of drugs could reduce ME.

References and/or Acknowledgements

1. Soulaymani Bencheikh R, et al. Medication errors: pharmacovigilance centres in detection and prevention. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2009;67:687–90

References and/or AcknowledgementsNo conflict of interest.