Evaluation of Medication Errors among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a major global health concern, with its rising prevalence closely linked to an ageing population and the growing incidence of diabetes and hypertension. Patients with CKD are particularly vulnerable to medication errors due to the complexity of their treatment regimens and the need for dosage adjustments based on renal function. These errors may occur at any stage of the medication use process—including prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering, and monitoring—and can result
in hospitalisations, accelerated disease progression, or even death.
Methodology: An observational study was conducted over three years in a tertiary care hospital. Adult inpatients (18 years or older) diagnosed with any stage of CKD, receiving at least one prescribed medication,
and providing informed consent were enrolled in the study.
Results: Medication errors were categorised using the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC-MERP) classification system. Out of 136 identified errors, 46 occurred during the prescribing stage, 59 during transcription, and 31 during medication administration. The data also revealed a
higher incidence of errors among older patients, those with multiple comorbidities, and individuals with advanced stages of CKD, emphasising the need for enhanced vigilance in these subgroups.
Conclusion: Targeted interventions focusing on high-risk patients—particularly the elderly and those with complex health profiles—are essential for reducing medication errors and enhancing overall patient safety in CKD care.

How to cite this article:
Anjali K, S P Bhatt. Evaluation of Medication
Errors among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Chettinad Health
City Med J. 2025;14(3):25-30.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202535