Focus on Error Prevention is a regular series of Pharmacy Connection articles that focus on practice errors. Past articles are listed below.

Abbreviating Dosage Instructions

Addition of an incorrect diluent

Brand Extensions Can Lead to Confusion

Calculation Errors

Changing the Strength of a Medication

Computer Data Entry Errors

Computer Technology and Medication Errors

Counselling Patients on Prescription Renewals-Changes

Dispensing Drugs for Teenagers

Dispensing Errors

Dispensing Incorrect Drugs

Dispensing of an Incorrect Drug

Distractions and Errors

Drug Identification Number (DIN)

Educated Patients Help Safeguard Against Medication Errors

Error Prevention

Failed Communication

Failure to Clarify Unclear Prescriptions

Gather All Key Clinical Information

Inappropriate use of fentanyl patches

Incorrect Dispensing of Folic Acid

Medication Errors From Labels

Medication Errors Involving Children

Misinterpretation of Decimal Point

Misinterpretation of Prescriber’s Intent

Misinterpreting Written Prescriptions

On Professional Judgment

Patient Unaware of Prescription Changes

Poor Handwriting

Prescriptions with Previous Valid Repeats

Prescription Transfers

Pressure on Pharmacist Time

Preventable Medical Errors

Product-identifying DIN

Safe Medication Practices

Sensitivity to Inactive Ingredients

Similarities in packaging

Similarity between two product names

Similarity of DINs

Similarity of Drug Names

Tip Caps on Hypodermic Syringes

Unclear Meaning of a Prescription

Unique Oral Liquid Medications Dosages

Use of Facsimile (fax) Technology

Using More than One Stock Bottle