accurately checking prescriptions

[drh785]

Yes i quite agree you have to have your own system for checking.
My major ones have been:
Loprazolam and Lorazepam.
Tramadol and Trazodone.
Co-codamol and Co-dydramol.
Salbutamol MDI and Salbutamol Breath-Actuated.
and
Cephadine 500 instead of 250 (I don't know why on this one but the patient will get better quicker!!)

Remember we are all human and everybody makes mistakes it is how we respond to the patient after the mistake has been made as to whether they take it furthur.

[puj]

ok guys i think iv got me technique sorted, for the first time to day iv made only one accuracy mistake which is really good for me! that was giving 28 mirtazapine instead of 30. the other was post immunisation dose for a 3month old, i changed the dose to 2.5ml stat then if necessary another dose 6 hours later, but cos the child was 3 month there was no reason to give the original dose of 2.5ml qid prn. doh!!!

Thank for everyones advice, you guys are great

[Zoggite]

Originally Posted by puj

Thank for everyones advice, you guys are great

Oooohhh.... Flattery will get you nowhere, but do keep trying!

[admin]

Originally Posted by puj

ok guys i think iv got me technique sorted, for the first time to day iv made only one accuracy mistake which is really good for me! that was giving 28 mirtazapine instead of 30. the other was post immunisation dose for a 3month old, i changed the dose to 2.5ml stat then if necessary another dose 6 hours later, but cos the child was 3 month there was no reason to give the original dose of 2.5ml qid prn. doh!!!

Thank for everyones advice, you guys are great

Just make sure you tell all your pharmacy mates about our forum!

[Mrs. Robinson]

I always try to remember that I am not able to divide my attention and each time suspect there’s something wrong with the prescription, drug or container (I hope I’m not mad). It works (in most cases).

SOP is a very good idea. You just have to stick to some checking procedure. Otherwise ... you’ve got an accident waiting to happen.

And it's true -don't try to rush things, never.

[laurabuk]

Hi there,

I find that what you have in front of you is three components - the Rx, the box and the label you have printed. The way I do it is to put the box next to or on the top of the prescription with the label facing up - then do a simple 1-2-3 to check the Rx, box and label ... i.e Amoxicillin-Amoxicillin-Amoxicillin (hard to describe in words but it works for me!). Same when checking the legality - I count out the components of the script (Name, Address, Quantity, Drug ...)

Laura