1.1 Safe Prescribing Flashcards
Give 3 examples of factors which could increase the rate of medication errors
More rapid throughput of patients New drug developments Increasing complexity of medical care Increased specialisation Increased use of medicines Sicker and older patients
Give 3 doctor-related factors that can lead to prescribing errors
No room for error Expected to be perfect Lack of understanding of importance of prescribing Exhaustion Working alone Lack of communication Lack of continuity of staff
Describe the ‘person approach’ of Reason’s Model of Accident Causation
An error occurs due to an individual’s failings
Countermeasures are directed at the individual
Describe the ‘system approach’ of Reason’s Model of Accident Causation
Errors are seen as a consequence of a system failure
Countermeasures are centred on introducing safeguards and barriers
What is a ‘slip’?
Lack of concentration leading to a harmful action
What is a ‘lapse’?
Brief loss of memory and concentration leading to a harmful action
What is a ‘mistake’?
Confuse rules
Lack of knowledge to cope with situation
Forget
What is a ‘violation’?
Deliberate harm/neglect to a patient
List 4 things a doctor should check before writing a prescription
Name of drug Dose Strength Frequency Duration of treatment Allergies Patient identity Adherence
Give 5 things that are legal requirements of a prescription
Written in ink Patient identification DOB (if under 12) Signed Dated Name and address of practitioner
Why is a generic drug name prescribed over a brand name?
Reduces likelihood of missed doses
Names are more distinct so less easy to confuse
Gives pharmacist a decision of which brand to prescribe (cheapest)
What is the Yellow Card Scheme?
Reporting adverse side effects of drugs to pharmaceutical companies
What is a black triangle drug?
A drug which is being intensively monitored because it is new
What is classed as a serious drug reaction?
Any reaction which causes a person to be hospitalised or for a person to have to remain longer in hospital
What reactions must be reported with a Black Triangle drug?
All reactions
