Throughout the years errors are constant factors in everyday lives whether by dealing with errors in mechanical, material or production processes or errors caused by humans. Of course when it comes to human errors, most people associate error with “blame”, rather than looking at a cause and how to prevent said error. HEMEA, which stands for Human Error Mode and Effects Analysis, could be used to help prevent errors by looking at two steps.
The first step would be to look at what can be done wrong and the second step would be to be able to predict what will happen when that error is applied. This is a great system to use when it is applied to all aspects of medicine.
Using HEMEA to study medicine could potentially show various problems that could arise and should be used to alert the proper people so that something may be done to alleviate the possibility of that error occurring.
Whether it be to change the packaging of similar medications or to abolish the practice of using abbreviations when writing prescriptions or even knowing a piece of machinery such as an infusion pump inside out, by knowing the potential errors that could arise, it can help stop them from occurring and that act alone could very well end up saving many lives.
It is understood that because of the knowledge of receiving “punishment” for producing an error can act as a deterrent for reporting them, but to sit back and not do anything or even bring up such errors could result in potential deadly errors that could end up affecting a lot of people simultaneously.
This comes into play especially at the Pharmacy. As a Pharmacy Technician, we are expected to know what drug is needed, including the strength, form and quantity. Though sometimes just reading the label three times can prove ineffective, if we can help prevent errors being made on our aspect, then that could help filter through the rest of the system including nurses, helping to ensure that the patient is receiving the correct medication.
