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Improve Core Processes for Dispensing Medications
Core processes for dispensing medications have become enormously complex, and the risk of errors and process failures has increased as a result. An error or a process failure can start a chain of events leading to an adverse drug event. Several practices have been shown to improve the overall safety of dispensing processes. Tools such as
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
can identify potential failures in your own dispensing processes and show you which processes to test first to reduce the risk in your organization.
Changes for Improvement
Remove Discontinued Medications Immediately
Minimize the Number of Medications Available on Units
Make Allergy Information Available in Multiple Locations
Separate Drugs that Look or Sound Alike
Prepare Non-Standard Doses in Pharmacy
Label Drugs Specifically for Each Dose
Implement Pharmacy-Based Dosing
Use Bar Codes to Identify Medications
Eliminate or Reduce the Availability of Multiple Medication Strengths
Use One Tablet Size for Each Oral Medication
Dispense Medications in Ready-to-Use Single Doses
Limit Over-Ride Options on Computer and Medical Device Safety Features
Increase Frequency of Medication Delivery
Use Medication Dispensing Machines
Improve Core Processes for Ordering Medications
Improve Core Processes for Administering Medications
FMEA Tool
FMEA: Five Scenarios for Dispensing Medication
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