Table 2 Risk factors for medication errors in the intensive care unit

Patient

Severity of illness

   Strongest predictor of ADE [25,34]

   ICU patients more likely to experience ADE than patients in other units [35]

Extreme of ages

   Increased susceptibility to ADEs [2,78]

Prolonged hospitalization

   Increased exposure and susceptibility to ADEs [2,78]

Sedation

   Patients unable to participate in care and defend themselves against errors [9]

Medications

Types of medications

   Frequent use of boluses and infusions [9]

   Weight-based infusions derived from estimated weights or unreliable determinations [79]

   Mathematical calculations required for medication dosages [9]

   Programming of infusion pumps [44]

Number of medications

   Twice as many medications prescribed as for patients in other units [35]

   Increased probability of medication error and medication interactions [35]

Number of interventions

   Increased risk of complications [80]

ICU environment

Complex environment

   Difficult working conditions make errors more probable [81]

   High stress [20]

   High turnover of patients and providers [82,83]

Emergency admissions

   Risk of an adverse event increases by approximately 6% per day [25,84]

Multiple care providers

   Challenges the integration of different care plans [83]