Identifying dispensing errors in pharmacies in a medical science school in Trinidad and Tobago

Sandeep Maharaj,Kevin Cedeno,Horry Brown,Dion Castillo,Anyse Calder,Danielle Budraj,Vatalie Caesar,Manthan D Janodia,Adrian Brahim,Deisha Carr

doi:10.1186/s40545-020-00263-x

Abstract

BackgroundA dispensing error can be defined as an inconsistency between the drug prescribed and drug dispensed to a patient. These errors can lead to ineffective and sometimes unwanted pharmaceutical outcomes. Dispensing errors can be harmful or even fatal to patients.Case presentationThe objective to this study was (a) to determine the types and frequency of dispensing errors at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), (b) to explore the reasons for the occurrence of dispensing errors, and (c) to make suitable recommendations for their prevention. An observational study for a period of 2 weeks was carried out at various in- and outpatient departments of the EWMSC. The observations were carried out during 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Dispensing errors identified during this period were recorded and analyzed.ResultsSixty-eight errors were identified in the adult outpatient pharmacy of the EWMSC; 19 errors in the pediatric outpatient pharmacy, whereas 22 errors were found in inpatient pharmacy. The most common plausible causes for the dispensing errors include high workload, failure to verify patient information, incorrect data in the pharmacy’s record system, inadequate notes made by pharmacists during prior patient visit, and in a few cases, uncomfortable working conditions.ConclusionDispensing errors were encountered in 2.1% of all the prescriptions filled at the EWMSC pharmacies. The factors which influenced these dispensing errors include but are not limited to a heavy workload, distractions, failure to verify patient information, and uncomfortable working conditions.

Highlights

In recent times, research on dispensing errors and its impact on patients has increased along with growing interest in the role of automation and computerization in preventing such errors [1, 2]
Sixty-eight errors were identified in the adult outpatient pharmacy of the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC); 19 errors in the pediatric outpatient pharmacy, whereas 22 errors were found in inpatient pharmacy
The most common plausible causes for the dispensing errors include high workload, failure to verify patient information, incorrect data in the pharmacy’s record system, inadequate notes made by pharmacists during prior patient visit, and in a few cases, uncomfortable working conditions

Summary

Introduction

Research on dispensing errors and its impact on patients has increased along with growing interest in the role of automation and computerization in preventing such errors [1, 2]. A dispensing error can be defined as an inconsistency between the dispensing of medication to the patient against medications prescribed [3]. These errors can include dispensing of medication with ineffective pharmaceutical outcomes [4]. A dispensing error can be defined as an inconsistency between the drug prescribed and drug dispensed to a patient. These errors can lead to ineffective and sometimes unwanted pharmaceutical outcomes. Dispensing errors identified during this period were recorded and analyzed

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion