The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7236 p241
15 February 2003

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The most exciting work-related book I have read in years

'Medication errors: lessons for education and healthcare', by Robert Naylor. Pp xii+333. Price £29.95. London: Radcliffe Medical Press Ltd; 2002. ISBN 1 85775 956 7

The difficulty with research into medication errors is that it is confusing. The use of different methods of identification and different definitions in different settings means that it is hard for someone new to the field to get a true understanding of the problem. Professor Naylor has produced a comprehensive review that should be of great interest to all individuals who are involved in health care policy.

This book can be divided into two main sections. The first attempts to present the key research into medication errors in a way that would allow the novice to understand the main issues. The evidence is expertly structured and includes research that shows the weaknesses of many of the commonly quoted studies. The reader is thus able to formulate his or her own opinion about the true extent and nature of the problem.

The second theme of the book is concerned with action to reduce the error rate. Again, a comprehensive review of the literature enables the reader to understand the main areas that need to be targeted in the practice setting. This is followed by a large amount of material directed at improving education and training.

I found the content to be comprehensive and accessible. It is the most exciting work-related book that I have read in years and I thoroughly recommend it to all those who have an involvement in medication safety. Chief pharmacists and pharmaceutical advisers would be well advised to consider this compulsory reading.

Michael Cross