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Use Pre-Typed Medication Records, Orders, and Flowsheets

Forms that require handwritten information have higher risk of error, due to faulty memory, careless or mistaken transcription from other documents, and misinterpretation of handwriting. To minimize the risk of such errors, use pre-printed forms for common orders, medication flowsheets, and the medication administration record (MAR).

Tips

Populate all of the information in the MAR automatically by means of a computerized system, if possible, so that staff need not transcribe information, only record the actual administration.
Organize order sheets so that prescribers only need to check boxes.
Place order sheets in computerized prescriber order entry systems.

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 Ordering Medications
Core processes for ordering medications have become enormously complex, and the risk of errors and process failures has grown in turn.
Use Pre-Made Dosing Charts
Develop pre-made dosing charts for medications commonly used in solution to assist staff in quickly setting appropriate and safe flow rates.
Use Protocols and Order Sets for at Least 75 Percent of Medications
Because protocols and standing order sets help clinicians quickly select appropriate medications and decrease the risk of errors, they should be in place for at least 75 percent of the medications in an organization.

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