Adverse drug events in U.S. adult ambulatory medical care.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To estimate the incidence of adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with health care visits among U.S. adults across all ambulatory settings.

Data source

We analyzed data from two nationally representative probability sample surveys: the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital and Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. From 2005 to 2007, the presence of an ADE was specifically defined, requested, and recorded in these surveys.

Study design

Secondary data analysis.

Principal findings

An estimated 13.5 million ADE-related visits occurred between 2005 and 2007 (0.5 percent of all visits), the large majority (72 percent) occurring in outpatient practice settings, and the remaining in emergency departments. Older patients (age ≥65 years)

SUBMITTER: Sarkar U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3168717 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature