Unfortunately, medication errors occur every day and sometimes result in a fatality. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) receives approximately 100,000 reports of medication errors each year.
Medication errors can be defined as preventable events that cause an inappropriate use of medication that may cause harm, whether caused by a healthcare provider, patient, or consumer.
Because of medication errors, both patients and physicians need to pay close attention to prescribed medications and their treatment plans.
Medication errors can often be preventable, which is why it is crucial to recognize risk factors that can cause medication errors in patients.
What Can Cause Medication Errors?
Patient Mix-Up
Many pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes are working short-staffed. Because of this, errors are more likely to happen, including the wrong medication given to the wrong patient. You can imagine how this may affect the patient in terms of side effects. In rare cases, it can result in a fatality.
By slowing down and doing medication checks, errors can be reduced and even eliminated. When e-Prescribing in a dispensing software, the medication can only be dispensed to the patient it was prescribed to.
Dosing
Mistakes happen even when you are careful. If the risk can affect the patient’s life, more attention needs to be made. Medication dispensing software can help to reduce the risk of dosing errors.
It is still important to double or triple-check that you are prescribing the correct medication dosage. Always make sure the patient understands the dose and how and when to take their medication.
Patient Confusion
Patient confusion with medication is incredibly common, especially with the elderly population. With every patient, physicians must discuss the treatment plan thoroughly.
Make sure your patient understands the instructions you give them. It is a good idea to take the time for them to repeat back to you how, when, and why they need to take their prescriptions. This approach may open the door for them to ask questions.
Patients also need to have their directions in writing to refer to if necessary. Medication dispensing software allows the physician to print off important information about the medication, including how, when, and why.
How Can You Prevent Medication Dispensing Errors in Your Office?
By slowing down and using caution, medication errors are preventable. One of the best tips is always to double-check you have the proper medication, the correct dosage, the right patient, and you are giving it at the right time.
Using physician dispensing software can significantly decrease the likelihood of medication errors, but it is still essential to take extra time to make sure the patient understands their prescription.
In-office dispensing is ideal because it allows you to give patients their medication at the point of care. As a result, there is less risk for pharmaceutical error, and you as the physician can monitor your patients through the treatment plan.
If you are interested in learning more about how office medication dispensing can benefit your practice, contact us or visit our website firstcoasthealthsolutions.com for more information.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
