Evaluating the accuracy of technicians and pharmacists in checking unit dose medication cassettes

Ambrose, Peter; Saya, Frank G.; Lovett, Larry T.; Tan, Sandy; Adams, Dale W.; Shane, Rita

doi:10.1093/ajhp/59.15.1463

Cited by 19 publications

(53 citation statements)

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“…Various research methods were used to investigate dispensing errors, including self‐completed standardized incident forms, observation, postal surveys, simulation, interviews, case‐note review and focus groups 3,14–72 . In some research papers mixed methods were used to determine the incidence and causes of dispensing errors 15,30,43,65 Table 3 3,14–35,37–62,64–71 . summarizes the research methods employed by the identified research papers.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Incidence, type and causes of dispensing errors: a review of the literature

James

Barlow

McArtney

et al. 2009

International Journal of Pharmacy Practice

184

130

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Comparison of the reviewed studies was confounded by differences in study setting, research method and operational definitions for dispensing errors, error rate and classification of error types. The World Health Organization is currently developing global patient safety taxonomy. Such a standardized taxonomy for dispensing errors would facilitate consistent data collection and assist the development of error-reduction strategies.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Incidence, type and causes of dispensing errors: a review of the literature

James

Barlow

McArtney

et al. 2009

International Journal of Pharmacy Practice

184

130

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“…At Percy hospital, the check is currently performed by pharmacists who spend at least one hour per day on the verification process. Several studies23–25 have shown that pharmacy technicians can check medications in a unit dose distribution system without compromising the accuracy. Thus, trained and certified pharmacy technicians could safely and accurately check unit dose medication cassettes filled by other technicians.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Frequency, Types, and Potential Clinical Significance of Medication-Dispensing Errors

Bohand

Simon

Perrier

et al. 2009

Clinics

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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Many dispensing errors occur in the hospital, and these can endanger patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of dispensing errors by a unit dose drug dispensing system, to categorize the most frequent types of errors, and to evaluate their potential clinical significance. METHODS: A prospective study using a direct observation method to detect medication-dispensing errors was used. From March 2007 to April 2007, “errors detected by pharmacists” and “errors detected by nurses” were recorded under six categories: unauthorized drug, incorrect form of drug, improper dose, omission, incorrect time, and deteriorated drug errors. The potential clinical significance of the “errors detected by nurses” was evaluated. RESULTS: Among the 734 filled medication cassettes, 179 errors were detected corresponding to a total of 7249 correctly fulfilled and omitted unit doses. An overall error rate of 2.5% was found. Errors detected by pharmacists and nurses represented 155 (86.6%) and 24 (13.4%) of the 179 errors, respectively. The most frequent types of errors were improper dose (n = 57, 31.8%) and omission (n = 54, 30.2%). Nearly 45% of the 24 errors detected by nurses had the potential to cause a significant (n = 7, 29.2%) or serious (n = 4, 16.6%) adverse drug event. CONCLUSIONS: Even if none of the errors reached the patients in this study, a 2.5% error rate indicates the need for improving the unit dose drug-dispensing system. Furthermore, it is almost certain that this study failed to detect some medication errors, further arguing for strategies to prevent their recurrence.

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“…Safety and error reduction are constant areas of concern in the pharmacy environment and previous work has demonstrated that technicians are capable of being very accurate . In 2011, NZ pharmacists raised the question of the safety of this new role, however, during this study respondents reported an observed increase in overall accuracy and associated safety .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 62%

Experiences of pharmacy staff during the introduction of the checking technician role in New Zealand

Napier

Norris

Green

et al. 2018

International Journal of Pharmacy Practice

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Objectives To investigate the experiences of the participants in a study introducing a Pharmacy Accuracy Checking Technician (PACT) role, and specifically their perceptions of any advantages and disadvantages. Methods Self‐administered surveys were distributed during the introduction of a checking technician role in eight community and four hospital pharmacy sites. Surveys were conducted at three time points; at baseline, at mid‐point and a final data collection. Questions covered staff perceptions on; technicians’ ability to take on this role, impact on workflow, impact on pharmacists’ time spent with patients and any perceived advantages or disadvantages. Key findings Three hundred and fifty‐five responses were received from participants. There was significant support for the introduction of this new role, and the greatest advantage identified was an increase in time available to pharmacists to increase potential clinical activities. Many staff felt that this role could easily fit into their current workplace and workflow with minor adjustments. There was a perception that this new role would increase safety and decrease errors as a result of the separation of clinical and checking tasks. Respondents identified a need for more technicians; however, conversely concern was expressed of a negative impact on the number of pharmacists’ jobs. Conclusions Despite the disruption caused by the training process, the respondents believed this new role to be beneficial to both staff and patients, and that the new model would allow for increased error identification and enhanced safety.

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Evaluating the accuracy of technicians and pharmacists in checking unit dose medication cassettes

Cited by 19 publications

References 0 publications

Incidence, type and causes of dispensing errors: a review of the literature

Incidence, type and causes of dispensing errors: a review of the literature

Frequency, Types, and Potential Clinical Significance of Medication-Dispensing Errors

Experiences of pharmacy staff during the introduction of the checking technician role in New Zealand

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