Avoid Medication Errors

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The Washington State Legislature asked the Department of Health to develop recommendations to help practitioners avoid medication errors. The Department developed the following recommendations in consultation with the regulatory boards and commissions, professional associations and Washington State hospitals. 

• Include a notation of purpose (e.g., for cough) on all prescriptions, unless clearly inappropriate.

• Avoid abbreviations for non-standard drug names on prescriptions and drug orders.

•  For children under 14 years of age, always record the child’s age (and weight when appropriate) on prescriptions.

• Include a notation of purpose on the prescription label to assist the patient.

• Use standard terminology.

o      Always use a zero before a decimal point (0.1 mg)

o      Use the metric system

o      Never abbreviate “microgram”

o      Spell out “units” rather than using “U”

•  Write or print legibly – consider using electronic entry, hand-held computer or other similar technology to increase prescription legibility.

• Talk about drug interactions with your patients.

o      Encourage patients to carry a list of all their prescribed medications, over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

o      Periodically review the list with your patient.

The Department of Health’s 2000 Medication Errors Report and Recommendations is available at: http://www.doh.wa.gov/PatientSafety/document/Reportfinal.DOC

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Last Update : 01/12/2006 08:45 AM
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