Journal of Clinical Trials
Open Access
ISSN: 2167-0870
ISSN: 2167-0870
Oweikumo Eradiri
Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Keynote: J Clin Trials
Introduction: Medicines are the most common healthcare intervention. However, the use of medicines is attendant with unsafe practices and errors, resulting in avoidable patient harm. Globally, medication incidents cost an estimated US$42 billion annually. To mitigate this, the World Health Organization (WHO), in March 2017, launched its third Global Patient Safety Challenge entitled Medication Without Harm, aiming to reduce the level of severe, avoidable harm related to medications by 50% over 5 years, globally. Medication errors arise from weak medication systems or human factors. Whereas safe systems have largely been implemented in developed countries, low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) lack such systems. Patients living in LMICs suffer twice as many disability-adjusted life years lost due to medication-related harm, then those in highincome countries. Objective: This paper will explore the challenges and opportunities for improving medication safety using two case studies: United Kingdom and Nigeria. Methodology: The WHO Challenge has five objectives to: Assess harm and strengthen monitoring; create a framework for improvement action; develop guidance and tools for safer systems; engage key stakeholders to raise awareness of the problem; empower patients to engage in medication decisions. This talk aligns with the fourth objective. Effects of change: The WHO Challenge proposes actions based on four domains: Patients and the public; medicines; healthcare professionals; systems and practices of medication. This talk intends to galvanise healthcare professionals to embrace the challenge and become catalysts that undertake research in safety, co-create and implement innovative, simple and impactful solutions that ensure patients using medicines are safer, globally.
Oweikumo Eradiri is a Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, with expert practice in medication safety and quality assurance in the manufacturing of medicines. He is passionate about safe medication systems. He is a Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, and a Member of her Hospital Expert Advisory Group, informing government policy on medicines. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health. He is a Member of the UK Government’s Health Education England Global Pharmacy and Medicines Optimization Taskforce, creating strategies to support the implementation of safe medication practices globally. He is also the Director of the African Centre for Medication Safety at the Niger Delta University. He also received the NHS Leadership Academy Award in Executive Healthcare Leadership.