Table 5.

Factors Contributing to 203 Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events

Contributing FactorPercentage of Errors and Events
Notes: For 304 reports, the reporters did not select any contributing factors. Less than 2%: computer error, fax problem, sound-alike drug names, abbreviation misunderstood.
Written communication problem30
Knowledge deficit22
Transcription error14
Office procedure not followed13
Verbal communication problem11
Verbal order incorrect7
Handwriting illegible7
Look-alike drug names4
Calculation error4