Affiliations: Vredenburgh & Associates, Inc., Human Factors,
Safety, and Organizational Consulting, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Alison G. Vredenburgh, PhD, CPE,
Principal, Vredenburgh & Associates, Inc., Human Factors, Safety, and
Organizational Consulting, 2588 El Camino Real, F-353, Carlsbad, CA 92008, USA.
Tel.: +1 760 434 4741; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Adverse drug events (ADE) are defined as any medication error with
significant potential to harm a patient [13]. Often times, ADE occur due
to inadequate or ineffective systems of labeling. These ADE often result in
mistakes in prescription adherence (compliance) with the prescription
instructions. These mistakes are costly and can be deadly. Potential problems
with drug labeling can occur in both in-patient and out-patient environments.
This paper discusses some of the key issues to consider in drug labeling and
its impact on patient safety.
