Verifying Prescriptions

[jpharmfarm]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm in last year of pharmacy school and have throughout my community rotations I've found that I'm prone to making little mistakes (ie. applying a label to a stock bottle that's a 90 count instead the correct 30 count, or messing up the directions when entering them into the computer). I realize that most stores have nice back up checks like scanning the bar codes and having a machine count for you, however I will likely be in a store by myself with no technology and no techs so I really need to develop a system to where I don't make ANY mistakes.

Does anyone have a reliable system/process that they go through for #1 verifying precriptions #2 preparing precriptions #3 entering precriptions. Any tips that you do that help you avoid mistakes are welcome. I'd also really like to hear someone's entire process. Thanks!

 

[gotdrugs]

I'm in last year of pharmacy school and have throughout my community rotations I've found that I'm prone to making little mistakes (ie. applying a label to a stock bottle that's a 90 count instead the correct 30 count, or messing up the directions when entering them into the computer). I realize that most stores have nice back up checks like scanning the bar codes and having a machine count for you, however I will likely be in a store by myself with no technology and no techs so I really need to develop a system to where I don't make ANY mistakes.

Does anyone have a reliable system/process that they go through for #1 verifying precriptions #2 preparing precriptions #3 entering precriptions. Any tips that you do that help you avoid mistakes are welcome. I'd also really like to hear someone's entire process. Thanks!

This is what I used to do:

1. If you enter an RX, check the printed label against the RX (i.e. double-check yourself in the same fashion you would check a tech)

2. After this, if your labels have the NDC number of the med on it, check the middle set of numbers against the drug bottle (or inhaler box, etc) This will ensure you are filling with the correct drug.

3. If your labels give a tablet description, compare that to what you put in the dispensing bottle.

I know it sounds tedious, but doesn't hurt to double-check yourself esp when you are nervous about making mistakes.

Hope that helps.

 

[jpharmfarm]

^ tedious is not a problem. I'll do whatever it takes. Thanks for the info.

 

[StallionRx]

Exactly what gotdrugs said.

Go slow at first and double check yourself.

Once you get more confident and your experience increases the speed will come.

 

[NormalSaline]

Try to do things in shifts too(rather than taking each Rx from entry to ready all at once). Do all your data verification, then do all your filling, then do all your product verification. It helps you get into the right mindset at each of those procesees. It also puts some time between your checks, so you are looking at each Rx with a fresher perspective.