Office Based Issues
Prescription Writing Errors and How to Avoid Them
The APA�s Committee on Patient Safety suggests that psychiatrists ask their patients to
read a just written prescription back to the physician before leaving the office. If the
patient can�t read the prescription, the psychiatrist should rewrite it. This exchange
ensures that the prescription is readable and allows for a check on the patient�s
understanding of the medication(s), dosage and instructions. When the patient receives
the medication from the pharmacy, he or she can double check to assure the medicine and
instructions match what was earlier discussed in the physician�s office.
The American College of Physicians offers a few tips to reduce paper prescription errors
in one�s practice. (Click here) and look for the link to �Tips to reduce paper prescription
errors in your practice.�
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices makes available a list of quick links to tools and information resources
(Click
here).
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has posted a �look alike/sound alike drug list� on its National Patient Safety Goals web page
(Click here)
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations issued a new Sentinel Event Alert that urges intensified attention to the accuracy of medications given to patients as they transition from one care setting to another, or one practitioner to another. The failure to reconcile medications during these transitions can cause serious patient injuries and even death. (Click here) to see this news release.
See also Use of Computers on this APA patient safety page.