Tools to Help Prevent Medication Errors


Medication errors are usually communication errors. Whether written or spoken, the key to prevention is to check, double-check, then check again.

  

  • Look up every drug prescribed. Speak up if:

• You or your loved one has questions
• Your loved one has any allergies to the medication
• You have any concerns whatsoever about possible interactions with other medications your loved one is taking

  • In your Care Journal, record every medication name, the prescribed dose and prescribed form (liquid, pill, IV, etc.).

• Take notes about the potential side effects you learn by looking up the drug. Speak up if you note these or any other reactions to the drug.

  • Use the Medication Record form to keep track of every medication given to your patient.

• Speak up about any concerns, especially regarding the wrong medication, wrong dose, wrong time, wrong site (e.g. by mouth instead of through the IV).





And don’t forget to download campaignZERØ’s™ application for the iPhone, DoubleCheck Rx™, which helps avoid confusing look-alike and sound-alike medications. DoubleCheck Rx™ is NOW AVAILABLE on iTunes.


*****Do YOU know a product that helps prevent medication errors? We want to hear about it! Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch.*****

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