How to Prevent Medication Errors

Preventing Medication Errors

Medication errors are a common issue in healthcare and cost billions of dollars nationwide while inflicting significant morbidity and mortality.

While national attention has been paid to errors in medication dispensing issues, it remains a widespread problem. The best method to enhance patient safety is to develop a multi-faceted strategy for education and prevention. Emphasis should be put on healthcare providers working as a team and communicating as well as encouraging patients to be more informed about their medications. With a culture of safety, dispensing medication errors can be reduced.

Some ways to prevent medication errors

• Always write one prescription for each medication.
• Besides signing the prescription, always circle your name on the preprinted prescription pad.
• Do not hesitate to check the dose and frequency if you are not sure.
• Always consider the fact that each medication has the potential for adverse reactions.
• Do not use drug abbreviations when writing orders.
• Always add the patient’s age and weight to each prescription.
• Check for liver and renal function before ordering any medication.
• Spell out the frequency and route of dosage; do not use abbreviations.
• Always specify the duration of therapy; do not say give out “XXX” number of pills.
• Always be aware of high-risk medications.
• When writing a prescription, state the condition being treated.

Source: National Library of Medicine