Dispensing Errors and Solutions
Dispensing involves human interaction and judgement. Information is provided by patients and doctors. Errors cannot be totally eliminated, however you can minimise the frequency and severity of dispensing errors in your pharmacy.
It is important to review and manage workflow, the physical layout of your pharmacy and interaction protocols. The volume and variety of drugs handled by a pharmacist requires that care be taken in storing and providing access to them. Compliance and the quality use of medicines lies at the core of good dispensing.
Read through the following information and work through the Risk and Quality Snapshot on Dispensing to assess how your pharmacy is placed to mitigate dispensing risks.
Systems and Controls
Database-driven dispensing programs are essential. But like all technologies, they are only as good as the way in which they are handled.
Reducing Distractions
Very few professionals are required to provide their skills and knowledge in such an open, potentially noisy, and high traffic environment. Physically engineering your work place so that you can work with minimal interference is essential for your well-being.
Information-related Problems
The variety and multitude of sources of information can cause problems.
Error and Solutions Questionnaire
Work through the following to assess how your pharmacy is placed to mitigate dispensing risks.
