The first principle, medication-use process, consists of five core processes: prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering and monitoring. Within these five core processes, variations may occur that can bypass safety nets within the overall medication-use system, which can cause medical errors. Variations to medication-use include provider-to-patient ratios as well as other perioperative prescribing, transcribing, dispensing and administering variations.
Safe medication use is the second component of medication safety. Safe medication use is based wholly on healthcare professionals’ responsibilities and accountability. One responsibility of safe medication use includes assuring patients that healthcare providers use medications in an efficient, safe and effective way and fully document all medications that are administered. Researchers highlight the three foundational principles of safe medication use. Safe medication use is patient-centered; safe medication use is based on respect for others; and healthcare professionals must accept responsibility and accountability for their roles in medication use.
Read the study about medication safety.
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Read other coverage about patient safety:
– The Joint Commission Highlights Look-Alike/Sound-Alike Drugs
– 4 Ways to Establish a Culture Focused on Infection Control
– 5 Best Practices for Maintaining clinical Documentation
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