Getting The Right Drugs
Community pharmacies are busy
Community pharmacies are busy. High-traffic days include Mondays, Fridays, the first and last days of each month, and the days before and after holidays. Considering the 4 billion prescriptions dispensed each year in the United States (US), the ability of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to dispense medications efficiently and accurately is greatly appreciated.
While educational requirements for pharmacists have increased over the years, and certification programs for pharmacy technicians have greatly improved the efficiency of prescription processing; the risk for dispensing errors is always present. Results from national and international studies reveal anywhere from 4 to 8 errors for every 10,000 prescriptions processed.
To reduce the risk of dispensing errors, pharmacies have standard procedures for entering data, processing medications, and checking completed orders. Procedures include the verification of all data entered into the computer such as the drug name, strength, manufacturer, quantity, refills, insurance, directions, and dates. Patient-specific information (e.g., name, date of birth, address, and allergies) is also examined.
As data are entered into the computer, built-in screening programs provide alerts when doses of a medication may be incorrect, side effects may be an issue, or when drug interactions could occur.
Throughout the process, all drug-related information is checked using a variety of formats. Bar-code scanning is used to verify drug names, computer images are used to verify drug appearance, and national drug codes are used to verify that a drug came from the same manufacturer.
Consumers also have opportunities to help reduce the risk of medication dispensing errors. Medication profiles are created when new prescriptions are brought to the pharmacy. This is a perfect opportunity to talk to pharmacists and pharmacy staff members about any demographic characteristics that could be confused with other individuals. For example, some individuals with similar names, addresses, and patterns of medication use could be confused with other family members or relatives. Pharmacists and pharmacy staff members should be alerted if the family has twins or triplets. Individuals with similar names will be more difficult to discern as their date of birth and home address will likely be the same.
To optimize prescription processing, customers should let pharmacists and pharmacy staff members know if they visit more than one physician, have an extended family, obtain medications from multiple pharmacies, use mail-order pharmacies, or prefer medications from a certain manufacturer.
Patronizing a pharmacy or pharmacy network under the same ownership has its advantages. With access to patient profiles, prescriber information, and medication history; pharmacists can be more helpful. For example, pharmacists may need to locate medications that were called into the wrong pharmacy. Insurance coverage may change or the medication may require prior authorization. In the meantime, an emergency supply of medication is needed to get through the weekend. There could be questions about the compatibility of certain over-the-counter products with other medications. Finally, transferring medications within a network of pharmacies under the same ownership is easier.
When picking up medication, do not walk away without verifying the name and address on the package and medication containers. Make sure the number of medications in the package is correct and that any accessories (e.g., dosing spoons or syringes) needed to use or take medications are supplied. For refills, is the appearance of the medication the same as last time? If not, similar medications obtained from different manufacturers should be noted on the prescription bottle. Furthermore, verify that medications were processed correctly through an insurance plan.
These efforts will help customers, and everyone involved in medication dispensing work together to eliminate errors and improve medication safety.
by: Sheryl L. Szeinbach, PhD, MS, BSPharm
Article: How Come So Many Companies Are Inefficient? How Do I Get Rid Of Overpriced Timeshare Benefits Coming From A Condominium The Logitech X-230 Provides Superior Sound Care Of Fresh Cut Flowers Class Action Or Individual - A Short Birth Defects Lawsuit Guide Zox Pro Review - Can Zox Pro System Definitely Support Me? Shortcuts For How To Find A Missing Person Winterlicious Cuisine 2012 Having A Gas Connection In Nsw Will Make Your Life Easier 4 Tips To Look Younger On Your Resume How To Clear Your Face Things To Do In Choosing The Best Kenmore Dentist