A common defense given for using faxed orders is that they are a quick way to get an order to the pharmacy if a drug is needed immediately, or if the nursing unit is located far from the pharmacy, which was the reason given in this case. However, faxing was probably unnecessary in this instance because the order was not for a STAT drug. In addition, despite the distance from the nursing unit to the pharmacy, the order arrived with enough time for the pharmacist to call the unit and then send the correct doses. Of course, the argument can be made that it was a good thing there was re-work in this situation because that is how the error was caught. But if the original orders had not been sent by fax, there would have been no problem.
Faxed orders are appropriate in some situations, and they are definitely better than verbal orders.
Still, this process has to be reviewed regularly to guarantee that it is being used in the manner it was originally intended, and that sufficient checks are in place to assure patient safety. Although orders faxed to a pharmacy should not be dispensed until the original is on hand, this is logistically difficult in many operations. Therefore, each faxed order must be examined carefully. If the area with the order is affected, clarify it before dispensing or wait for the original to arrive. Good quality assurance is needed to be sure the form is placed back into the correct patient's chart.