Time Critical Medicine Sticker for Inpatients with Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Aims
Inpatients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are at risk of medication errors due to individualised ‘Time Critical Medication’ (TCM) regimes. We aimed to assess and improve TCM safety.

Methods
Prospective medication chart review of inpatients with PD. Medication errors reported to Quality and Risk (Q&R) reviewed. TCM sticker (€0.03 each) implemented for medication charts. Impact assessed using anonymised staff survey and re-review of medication charts.

Results
Six inpatients with PD, on >1 TCM. Six (100%) had >1medication error. Four (67%) had >1 TCM dose delayed/missed. One fasting patient missed TCM for 36 hours. One TCM not administered for six days. Twenty-two staff were surveyed. Twenty-one (95%) thought the sticker improves TCM awareness and is a helpful reminder to give TCMs at the correct time. It is a clear visual aid, especially if fasting. Seven inpatients re-reviewed. Five (72%) had TCM sticker. TCM timings were clear for six (86%). Four (57%) had missed doses, two (28%) had delayed doses.

Conclusion
Inpatients with PD experience medication errors. A low-cost TCM sticker improved staff awareness and timely TCM administration.