Patient safety: An ergonomics study of innovative design in pharmaceutical packaging

Packaging of medication is an area of concern with respect to medication error. This study sought to evaluate how the design might influence errors across the current medication distribution system. This was defined as the warehouse, pharmacy and patient domains. Observations, interviews and proactive risk assessment, in the form of Failure Modes and Effect Analysis or FMEA, were performed on key processes and tasks at warehouses (n=2), pharmacies (n=12) and with patients (n=27). A new packaging design by Almus Pharmaceuticals appeared to carry substantial benefits in all three domains, with the greatest benefits found in the pharmacy. The systems approach undertaken throughout the project has provided further insights and opportunities for improvement of medication provision.