In the acute sector in Australia, the ‘APINCHS’ acronym and classification assists clinicians to focus on a group of medicines known to be associated with high potential for medication-related harm. The original classification used in Australia was APINCH.

2024年1月29日 · High risk (APINCH) medicines have a heightened risk of causing harm if used in error or misused. Their error rates are not necessarily higher compared to other medicines, but when problems occur, the consequences can be catastrophic. High risk medicines have specific storage requirements and their access is limited.

The document provides a mnemonic "APINCHS" to help healthcare professionals remember high risk medications that require safe prescribing, administration, and dispensing.

High risk medicines (classified using the APINCH acronym) have an increased risk of causing significant patient harm or death if they are misused or used in error. Be familiar with high risk medicines in your area and any special considerations for their use. Always double check these medicines prior to administration.

Medication incidents involving high risk medicines must be reported in the Safety Learning System. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has made available a list of APINCH medications and their associated best practice tools and recommendations .

In the acute sector in Australia, the ‘APINCH’ acronym and classification is widely used to assist clinicians focus on a group of medicines known to be associated with high potential for medication-related harm. 3

The acronym, ‘APINCH’, is designed to serve as a reminder that even routinely administered medicines pose a high-risk to patient safety. APINCH: Anti-infectives; Potassium (and other electrolytes);...

This page provides resources and a reference table of medication safety alerts, notices and guidance issued by the Australian states and territories and by international organisations using the APINCHS classification.

medications ‘APINCHS’ A pinch in time, saves lives Take the time to ensure safe prescribing, administration and dispensing of these high risk medications! Refer to available information and guidelines. Antimicrobials, Antiarrhythmics Potassium and other electrolytes; Psychotropic medications Insulin Narcotics/opioids and other sedatives

At a minimum the following medications, recommended by the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare, and associated with the ‘APINCHS’ acronym, should be considered for inclusion in the High Risk Medication Register.