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Dispensing error rate in a highly automated mail-service pharmacy practice
J Russell Teagarden1, Becky Nagle, Ronald E Aubert
1Department of Medical Affairs, Medco Health Solutions, Inc., Franklin Lakes and Willingboro, New Jersey 07417, USA. russell_teagarden@medco.com
Pharmacotherapy
|October 20, 2005
Summary
Highly automated mail-service pharmacies achieve low dispensing error rates, under 0.1%. Errors were linked to prescription processing, not automated dispensing, highlighting automation
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy practice
- Medication dispensing accuracy
- Health services research
Background:
- Dispensing errors are a significant concern in pharmacy practice.
- Mail-service pharmacies offer a unique model for prescription dispensing.
- Automation's role in reducing errors requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify dispensing error rates in a highly automated mail-service pharmacy.
- To identify the types and origins of dispensing errors within this setting.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive analysis was conducted on a random sample of prescriptions.
- Prescriptions were evaluated for accuracy before shipping.
- Dispensing accuracy was assessed by comparing container contents, labels, and original orders.
Main Results:
- The overall dispensing error rate was 0.075% (16 errors per 21,252 prescriptions).
- Fourteen of the 16 errors involved incorrect or incomplete prescription label directions.
- All identified errors originated from initial prescription processing stages, not automated dispensing.
Conclusions:
- Highly automated mail-service pharmacies can achieve dispensing error rates below 0.1%.
- This rate is significantly lower than those reported for traditional retail pharmacies.
- Automation of mechanical dispensing processes appears critical for achieving high accuracy.