A11 Accuracy checking

Question 1

state some common types of dispensing errors

Answer 1

• sound alike look alike drugs
• misreading prescriptions
• out of date medicines
• incorrect calculations
• incorrect patient details
• label crossover
• incorrect directions on label
• picking incorrect item

Question 2

state some factors that can lead to errors in prescriptions

Answer 2

distractions
environment
interruptions
workload
staffing level
level of knowledge
time of day
personal issues

Question 3

what are some implications of dispensing errors?

Answer 3

• harm to patient (overdose / wrong drug = adverse effects)
• near miss incidents
• harm to organisation (lose patient trust / reputation diminishes)
• harm to individual

Question 4

how can errors in prescriptions be prevented?

Answer 4

• error reporting
• communication to staff around common errors
• policies and procedures
• storage of medicines
• workflow
• education and training

Question 5

how can storage of medicines help to reduce dispensing errors?

Answer 5

• have designated areas for each type of medication
• make sure everything is put away properly upon delivery
• stock rotation to reduce waste

Question 6

how can error reporting help to reduce dispensing errors?

Answer 6

• highlights common errors (eg. similarities in packaging)
• not a disciplinary thing