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Improve Core Processes for Administering Medications
Core processes for administering medications have become enormously complex, and the risk of errors and process failures has increased as a result. An error or a process failure can start a chain of events leading to an adverse drug event. Several practices have been shown to improve the overall safety of administration processes. Tools such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) can identify potential failures in your own medication administration processes and show you which processes to test first to reduce the risk in your organization.


Changes for Improvement
Carry Reference Materials in Handheld Electronic Devices
Provide Antidote and Recovery Strategy Information
Label Drugs Specifically for Each Dose
Ensure that Allergy Information Accompanies Patients
Make Allergy Information Available in Multiple Locations
Involve Patients in Administering Their Own Medications
Provide Medication Reference Materials at the Point of Care
Remove Discontinued Medications Immediately
Use Pre-Made Dosing Charts
Eliminate or Reduce the Availability of Multiple Medication Strengths
Separate Drugs that Look or Sound Alike
Have Patients Maintain Their Own Medication Administration Record (MAR)
Conduct Independent Double-Checks on the Unit
Use Pre-Typed Medication Records, Orders, and Flowsheets
Implement Pharmacy-Based Dosing
Provide Medication Reference Materials at the Point of Care
Use Expert Consultants to Guide Interventions During ADEs
Minimize the Number of Medications Available on Units
Computerize Medication Administration Records
Provide Medication and Food Interaction Information
Provide Dose Calculation Aids on Drug Labels
Involve Patients in Medication Checks
Use One Tablet Size for Each Oral Medication
Conduct Adverse Drug Event (ADE) Drills
Use Bar Codes to Identify Medications
Prepare Non-Standard Doses in Pharmacy
Dispense Medications in Ready-to-Use Single Doses
Limit Over-Ride Options on Computer and Medical Device Safety Features
Pre-Compile Responses to Adverse Drug Events