Check the label against the prescription at various checkpoints, with at least two people checking every step, says Cohen. Don't hesitate to call the prescriber for clarification. Document the date and time of your conversation and with whom you spoke. Talk to the patient about the diagnosis or intended outcome, possible side effects, and interactions with other medications he is currently taking. Prevent computer glitches.
Computers can eliminate medication errors, but they can also cause new mix-ups.
Shorthand directions are often misinterpreted by a computer's software. For example, Quin 200 may mean quinine or quinidine. If your software permits, have a warning appear on the computer screen for drugs with similar sounding names, backed up by warning labels posted on stock bottles. If possible, add computer screens for dose limits, including single dose, daily dose, and course of therapy limits. If you work in a hospital with a sophisticated computer network, encourage prescribers to enter medication orders directly into the system.