The six phases of the medication use process are procuring, prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering and monitoring. A MEDMARX Data Report identified medication errors that took place in perioperative settings from 1998-2005, and the data showed many of the errors occurred during the administering phase and other earlier phases of the medication use process, according to the article.
To address the need for appropriate medication safety, RNs should adopt policies, procedures and best practices during each of the six phases of the medication use process.
Read the AORN Connections article about medication safety (pdf).
Read other coverage about medication safety:
– Shortage of 150 Drugs Forces Healthcare Facilities to Consider Older Alternatives
– Healthcare Providers Need More Than One Safety Net for Medication Safety
– Study Lists Main Causes of Analgesic Medication Errors
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