Objectives | Writing
Format | Types of
Drugs | Quiz
Common Errors | Tips for Avoiding Prescribing Errors
Common Errors in Prescription Writing
Omissions
a) DAW (Dispense as written)
b) Refill quantity
c) Dosage form
d) Length of therapy/quantity
e) Patient allergies
f) Date
g) Route
h) Signiture
i) DEA number
a) Dose significantly different from normal standards
b) Error in dose
c) Prescriptions for unavailable dosage forms/strengths
d) Misleading, incomplete or confusing directions
e) Take as directed
f) PRN directions or refills
g) Unclear dose based on a concentration
h) Sustained release dosage forms
a) Omissions of DEA number
b) Omissions of patient's address
c) Prescriptions refills for C-IIs
d) Partial fillings of C-IIs
e) Generic prescribing for unavailable or inappropriate prescriptions
a) Unclear amount
b) Odd amount
c) Prescription for an amount that doesn't exist
a) Prescriptions for a duration that is substantially different from normal standards
b) Not specified
Tips for Avoiding Prescribing Errors
a) Keep all blank prescription pads in a safe place
b) Minimizing the number of prescription pads in use
c) Write in ink
d) Write out the amount prescribed in addition to the numerical number
e) Avoid large quantities
f) Only use prescription pads for prescriptions
g) Don't sign prescriptions in advance
h) Put only one prescription on a blank prescription form
a) Put the patient's diagnosis or the purpose of therapy on the prescription
b) Print
c) Include the patient's age and weight if relevant on the prescription
d) Use the metric system unless dealing with units
e) Avoid uncommon abbreviations
f) Be consistent
g) Sign your own prescriptions
h) Inform patient about medications
i) Never leave a decimal point naked