Healthcare transitions can create safety risks for patients due to poor communication, coordination and/or integration of treatment, and subsequent changes in medication therapy along the way. Introduction Over the course of receiving treatment, a patient who has been diagnosed with a chronic illness will likely require care from more than one healthcare professional or care team. This may include admission or discharge from hospital, or transfer from hospital to another care setting. One healthcare transition…
By Ian Stewart B.Sc.Phm., R.Ph. It is well known that failed communication due to illegible prescriber’s handwriting is a major problem in pharmacy practice. Pharmacists spend an enormous amount of time contacting prescribers to clarify illegible or ambiguous handwritten prescriptions. At a minimum, this process results in a delay in the provision of patient care. At worse, misinterpretation of an illegible prescription may result in the dispensing of an incorrect drug, dosage, frequency or route…
By Ian Stewart B.Sc.Phm., R.Ph. Patients with chronic medical conditions are often taking multiple medications. With increasing age and progression of their medical condition, patients may receive new drug therapies. It is therefore critical that steps be taken to prevent the dispensing of drugs that the patients should no longer be taking. Case: A sixty-six year old diabetic patient has been taking metformin for an extended period of time. During a recent visit to his…
Since 2012, pharmacies in Ontario have been submitting information about monitored drugs to the Narcotics Monitoring System (NMS). The purpose of the NMS is to review dispensing and prescribing activities for prescription narcotics and other controlled substance medications in community healthcare. The NMS helps to identify and alert pharmacies of potential misuse issues with monitored drugs, such as patients who are potentially double-doctoring or making visits to multiple pharmacies. Pharmacies are asked to submit several…
Delivering pharmacy services is a complex, human process. Although technology is a helpful tool to assist in identifying red flag situations, mistakes can still occur. “Close-Up on Complaints” presents some of these errors so that practitioners can use them as learning opportunities. Ideally, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will be able to identify areas of potential concern within their own practice, and plan and implement measures to help avoid similar incidents from occurring in the future.…
Delivering pharmacy services is a complex, human process. Even with the assistance of technology, mistakes can still occur. “Close-Up on Complaints” presents some of these errors so that practitioners can use them as learning opportunities. Ideally, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will be able to identify areas of potential concern within their own practice, and plan and implement measures to help avoid similar incidents from occurring in the future. Summary of the Incident The patient in…
By Ian Stewart B.Sc.Phm., R.Ph. There are a number of drugs with an increased risk of causing significant patient harm when taken incorrectly. Due to its unique dosing schedule and potential toxicity, methotrexate is an example of such a high risk drug. There have been a number of fatalities reported from errors involving oral methotrexate1. Pharmacists must therefore be extra vigilant when dispensing high risk drugs such as methotrexate Case: A seventy-eight year old male…
College assessment process for determining if a person’s conduct is relevant to their suitability to register as a member of the College, practise pharmacy or operate a pharmacy. Introduction The mandate of the Ontario College of Pharmacists, like all health Colleges in Ontario, is to serve and protect the public interest and maintain the public’s trust in the profession and its regulator. The College is responsible for ensuring that pharmacy professionals are qualified to practise…
An Error In Processing Batch Medications Delivering pharmacy services is a complex, human process. Even with the assistance of technology, mistakes can still occur. “Close-Up on Complaints” will take a look at some of these errors, and use them as learning opportunities for all practitioners. Ideally, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will be able to identify areas of potential concern within their own practice, and plan and implement measures to help avoid similar incidents from occurring…
By Ian Stewart B.Sc.Phm., R.Ph. Many patients exhibit varying degrees of visual, hearing or cognitive impairment, and may therefore require specialized care to ensure the appropriate use of medications. CNIB estimates that approximately half a million Canadians are living with significant vision loss that impacts their quality of life1. In a recent survey, 5% of Canadians aged fifteen years and older reported having a hearing limitation2. Pharmacists must there be cognizant of the unique limitations…
