To avoid medication errors at order entry, healthcare professionals can follow these steps:
1. Be alert for drug names with suffixes: Pay close attention to medications with similar names but different suffixes as they can easily be confused. For example, drugs like "Lorazepam" and "Lorazepam-ER" have similar names but different formulations. Being vigilant about these distinctions can prevent errors.
2. Ask patients if they have any new allergies: Before prescribing or administering medication, always inquire about any new allergies the patient may have developed. This step helps ensure that the prescribed medication is safe for the patient and reduces the risk of allergic reactions.
3. Encourage patients to ask questions about their medication: Encouraging patients to ask questions about their prescribed medications can help catch any potential errors or misunderstandings. Patients should feel empowered to seek clarification on dosage, frequency, and potential side effects to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.
4. Use shelf tags to separate look-alike/sound-alike medications: Implementing visual aids like shelf tags that clearly differentiate between look-alike or sound-alike medications can reduce confusion during order entry. By visually distinguishing similar-looking medications, healthcare professionals can minimize the risk of selecting the wrong medication.
By following these practices, healthcare providers can help prevent medication errors at the order entry stage, ultimately enhancing patient safety and quality of care.
