Related Experiment Videos
Program for reviewing returned medications
B F Gilliand1, G H Stanislav, J J Constantin
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), PA 15213.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Implementing a returned-dose log sheet significantly improved pharmacy communication and record accuracy. This system reduced medication returns by over 50% within eight months.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Medication Management
- Healthcare Informatics
Background:
- Discrepancies in returned medication doses at a teaching hospital necessitated a review process.
- Existing systems lacked a standardized method for documenting and analyzing returned doses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a program for reviewing returned medication doses.
- To implement a returned-dose log sheet to improve accuracy and reduce returns.
Main Methods:
- A pharmacist-initiated log sheet was used, detailing patient, medication, and schedule.
- Charge nurses recorded reasons for dose returns.
- Pharmacists resolved discrepancies and prepared monthly summaries.
Main Results:
- The rate of returned dispensed doses decreased from 1.1% to 0.4% over eight months.
- Nurse completion of log sheets reached 95% after educational feedback.
- Common return reasons included "already charted as given"; gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and anti-infective drugs were most frequent.
Conclusions:
- The returned-dose log sheet enhanced interdepartmental communication.
- The program effectively resolved record discrepancies and reduced medication return rates.
- Standardized documentation of returned doses is crucial for medication safety and efficiency.