Preventing Drug Errors through Teaching

Drug errors aren't limited to hospital settings. Patients sometimes make drug errors when taking their medications at home. To prevent such errors, take the time to educate your patient thoroughly about each medication he'll be taking. Always print out a copy of the medication list to review with the patient and /or family to ensure understand ing. Whether on the discharge form in the hospital, in a clinic, nursing home discharge, or home health visit; be sure to cover these points:

• drug's name (generic and trade name)

• drug's purpose

• correct dosage and how to calculate it (such as breaking scored tablets or mixing liquids when necessary)

• how to take the drug

• when to take the drug

• what to do if a dose is missed

• how to monitor the drug's effectiveness (for example, checking blood glucose levels when taking an antidiabetic drug)

• potential drug interactions (including the need to avoid certain over-the-counter and herbal drugs)

• required dietary changes (including the use of alcohol)

• possible adverse effects and what to do if they occur

• proper storage, hand ling, and disposal of the drug or supplies (such as syringes)

• required follow-up.