Learning safe prescribing during post-take ward rounds.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Safety
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Prescribing is a critical medical skill that is often undervalued and inadequately taught.
• Prescribing errors pose a significant risk to patient safety, persisting as a long-standing issue.
• Educational gaps in safe prescribing exist at both undergraduate and postgraduate medical training levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the "Check and Correct" innovation in improving safe prescribing practices.
• To identify common areas of non-compliance with hospital prescribing standards.
• To enhance awareness of safe prescribing among medical students and junior doctors.

Main Methods:

• The "Check and Correct" method was implemented on busy post-take ward rounds over two weeks.
• A final-year medical student systematically checked drug charts for every patient seen.
• Prescribing errors were identified and addressed with the clinical team at the bedside for immediate correction.

Main Results:

• The "Check and Correct" process highlighted areas where hospital prescribing standards were not met.
• The exercise contributed to increased awareness of safe prescribing among the medical team.
• Errors were identified and corrected at the point of care, directly impacting patient safety.

Conclusions:

• The "Check and Correct" method supports the need for enhanced safe prescribing education.
• Successful implementation relies on consultant engagement to address and vocalize prescribing errors.
• This approach serves as an effective educational tool, improving prescribing practices and patient care.