Aiming to avoid inadvertent wrong administration of medications: should drug ampoules and packaging be standardised? (original) (raw)

Inadvertent drug administration errors can lead to severe patient safety issues, as evidenced by a recent incident where succinylcholine was mistakenly given instead of fentanyl. This paper explores the challenges posed by the similar appearance of drug ampoules and packaging, calling for standardised colour schemes for generic medications, especially in anaesthesia, to reduce the occurrence of these errors. The discussion is supported by survey data from anaesthetists and existing safety standards within the specialty.