Related Experiment Videos
[Errors in prescriptions and control of prescriptions].
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|December 11, 1989
Summary
Incorrect prescription errors in Denmark often involve wrong medication strengths or missing child details. Telephone prescriptions show fewer errors than traditional ones, suggesting a need for clearer guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Health Policy
- Medical Practice
Context:
- Denmark's stringent regulations for safe medicine dispensing.
- The role of pharmacists in controlling prescription accuracy.
- Guidelines from the Danish Board of Health on prescription composition.
Purpose:
- To analyze the types and frequency of incorrect prescriptions.
- To identify common errors in prescription writing and dispensing.
- To evaluate prescription error patterns in the County of Arhus.
Summary:
- Incorrect medication strength (44.3%) and missing child-specific endorsements were the most frequent prescription errors.
- Hospital doctors and secretaries generated a higher proportion of erroneous prescriptions.
- Telephone prescriptions exhibited a significantly lower error rate (8.2%) compared to conventional methods.
Impact:
- Findings suggest revising dispensing circulars to potentially ease repeated dispensing requirements.
- Recommendations include stricter age indication and declaration rules for pediatric prescriptions.
- Reducing synonymous preparations and strength variations could improve clarity for prescribers.