[Correct documentation of drug prescriptions]

The present study was undertaken to investigate and minimize possible differences in doctors' and nurses' documentation of drug prescriptions. A retrospective medical audit including 100 patients receiving medication revealed 69% correct prescriptions in doctors' case records. Only 44% of prescriptions in nurses' drug lists were correct. Based on the exposed problems a prescription sheet and clinical guidelines for medication were developed and implemented in the department. This resulted in 91% correct prescriptions in a comparable group of 100 patients receiving medication, a highly significant improvement. Among prescriptions signed by a doctor as legally requested, 98% were correct. The prescription sheet also served as an updated survey of medication. No health-threatening prescription errors were disclosed in either group. In conclusion, a common prescription sheet significantly improved the quality of drug prescriptions.