Differences between prescribers' notes and e-prescriptions as well as between e-prescriptions and pharmacy labels are equally prevalent, according to an article published in the British Medical Journal of Quality and Safety.
The study examined more than 600 prescriptions from 33 prescribers at three ambulatory care clinics from prescription to fill. The rates of prescription discrepancies were internally similar in both information transfer scenarios for each individual clinic.
Error rates ranged between approximately 0.5 and 4 percent, with the most common discrepancy being different administration directions.
The study concluded a better examination of the processes leading to prescription discrepancy between prescription and e-prescription and between e-prescription and pharmacy label in outpatient settings is needed to reduce medication errors.
More Articles on Quality:
The study examined more than 600 prescriptions from 33 prescribers at three ambulatory care clinics from prescription to fill. The rates of prescription discrepancies were internally similar in both information transfer scenarios for each individual clinic.
Error rates ranged between approximately 0.5 and 4 percent, with the most common discrepancy being different administration directions.
The study concluded a better examination of the processes leading to prescription discrepancy between prescription and e-prescription and between e-prescription and pharmacy label in outpatient settings is needed to reduce medication errors.
