Medication Errors From Injectable Drugs Harm One Million Inpatients Each Year Adding Billions In Cost, New Study Finds

"Our study used actuarial methods and pulled from multiple sources of data relevant to this critical issue which means that decision-makers can now see where the problems are and target prevention efforts," stated author Bruce Pyenson, principal and consulting actuary at Milliman.

Preventable adverse drug events from injectable drugs have emerged as prominent cost and quality issues for the healthcare industry. This study explored the impact that harmful injectable medication errors in an inpatient setting have on U.S. healthcare costs. It revealed a high number of hospitalizations potentially impacted by harmful errors due to injectable medications and a serious economic burden on payers, hospitals and the healthcare industry associated with those preventable ADEs.

"In my patient safety work, I know that preventable adverse medication events are still a significant concern for nurses, physicians, pharmacists, hospitals as well as patients. Injectable medications, especially high risk medications, can result in the most severe harms associated with medication errors. Our study found an impressive cost burden that injectable medication errors have on the healthcare system," said Dr. Jeffrey Rothschild, co-author and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

"The good news is this is a problem that can be ameliorated. Now that we know more about the types of medications and illnesses most associated with these harmful errors, we can take steps to better focus our efforts to minimize the risks to patient care."

Authors of the study include Betsy Lahue, MPH of BD; Bruce Pyenson, FSA; Kosuke Iwasaki, FIAJ; Susan Forray, FCAS; Helen Blumen, MD of Milliman; and Jeffrey Rothschild, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Physician at Brigham & Women's Hospital.

About BD BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world.  BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs nearly 30,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

About Milliman Milliman is among the world's largest providers of actuarial and related products and services. The firm has consulting practices in healthcare, property & casualty insurance, life insurance and financial services, and employee benefits. Founded in 1947, Milliman is an independent firm with offices in major cities around the globe. For further information, visit www.milliman.com.

Contact: Jamie YaccoPublic Relations(201) 847-4796 [e-mail]

SOURCE BD-Becton Dickinson

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