What is referred to as medications not administered according to professional standards or prescriber intent?

Medication errors refer to instances where medications are not administered in accordance with established professional standards or the specific intent of the prescriber. This can include a variety of mistakes such as administering the wrong dosage, giving the wrong medication, or failing to provide the medication at the correct time. These errors can lead to adverse patient outcomes and highlight the critical importance of following protocols and guidelines in medication management.

The distinction between a medication error and other concepts is significant. The focus here is on the failure to fulfill the correct administration as deemed necessary by professional standards or the directives of the prescribing healthcare professional. Understanding this definition is essential for ensuring safety and efficacy in patient care and reinforcing the importance of accurate medication practices within a clinical setting.