Prepare Non-Standard Doses in Pharmacy

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Prepare Non-Standard Doses in Pharmacy

Last Modified: 04/30/2011

The risk of error is greater in preparation of unusual or non-standard doses because such doses are sometimes ordered infrequently. Pharmacy staff should prepare all non-standard doses to decrease the risk of an error in preparation.

Tips

Dispense the doses in ready-to-use single doses.
Package each dose separately and label each specifically.
Avoid the use of non-standard doses by removing them as choices on order sheets, computer screens, and other locations.

Dispense Medications in Ready-to-Use Single Doses
Dispense ready-to-use single doses so staff members do not need to mix, count, or otherwise manipulate the medications
Improve Core Processes for Administering Medications
Well-designed administering processes minimize the risk of failures and errors, both of which can lead to adverse drug events (ADEs).
Improve Core Processes for Dispensing Medications
Core processes for dispensing medications have become enormously complex, and the risk of errors and process failures has increased as a result.
Label Drugs Specifically for Each Dose
Label each individual medication dose with all the appropriate patient and medication information.
Use One Tablet Size for Each Oral Medication
Consistently dispense one tablet size for each dosage of each oral medication to reduce the risk of errors.

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