_Common Errors in Prescription WritingOmissions a) DAW (Dispense as written) b) Refill quantity c) Dosage form d) Length of therapy/quantity e) Patient allergies f) Date g) Route h) Signiture i) DEA number Dose or Directions a) Dose significantly different from normal standards b) Error in dose c) Prescriptions for unavailable dosage forms/strengths d) Misleading, incomplete or confusing directions e) Take as directed f) PRN directions or refills g) Unclear dose based on a concentration h) Sustained release dosage forms Legal Requirements a) Omissions of DEA number b) Omissions of patient's address c) Prescriptions refills for C-IIs d) Partial fillings of C-IIs e) Generic prescribing for unavailable or inappropriate prescriptions Quantity a) Unclear amount b) Odd amount c) Prescription for an amount that doesn't exist Duration of Therapy a) Prescriptions for a duration that is substantially different from normal standards b) Not specified Tips for Avoiding Prescribing Errors
How to avoid forged prescriptions
a) Keep all blank prescription pads in a safe place b) Minimizing the number of prescription pads in use c) Write in ink d) Write out the amount prescribed in addition to the numerical number e) Avoid large quantities f) Only use prescription pads for prescriptions g) Don't sign prescriptions in advance h) Put only one prescription on a blank prescription form Controlled or Unscheduled Medications a) Put the patient's diagnosis or the purpose of therapy on the prescription b) Print c) Include the patient's age and weight if relevant on the prescription d) Use the metric system unless dealing with units e) Avoid uncommon abbreviations f) Be consistent g) Sign your own prescriptions h) Inform patient about medications i) Never leave a decimal point naked |
|