Classification, Description, and Prevention of Errors
Compounding errors can be divided into the following categories:
- General Errors,
- Incorrect Ingredients,
- Incorrect Concentration,
- Incorrect Use of Equipment,
- Physicochemical Issues,
- Microbiological Contamination,
- Analytical Testing Issues,
- Microbiological Testing Issues, and
- Miscellaneous Errors.
Over the next several weeks, we will look at errors using the format or subject-headings of "Error Type," "Description," and "Avoiding the Error."
GENERAL ERRORS
Error Type |
Description |
Avoiding the Error |
Receipt of the prescription |
Incomplete and incorrect information is presented on the prescription. |
Upon receipt of the prescription from either the patient or the healthcare provider, confirm the inclusion of the complete information of the patient, the medication, etc. |
Interpretation of the prescription |
The prescription can be misinterpreted with regard to legibility, misspellings, etc. |
Ask a second staff member to confirm the interpretation of the prescription. |
Transcription errors |
Following the initial receipt and interpretation of the prescription, errors can occur when one enters the information into the computer. These errors can involve, but not be limited to:
- the names of the ingredients,
- the quantities,
- the units of weight and measurement,
- instructions for the patient.
|
Ask a separate staff member to check the information after the computer entry. |
Incorrect calculations |
This is possibly the number one cause of compounding errors and includes, but is not limited to:
- misplaced decimals,
- incorrect calculations,
- lack of understanding of what needs to be done.
Incorrect calculations can result in errors throughout the entire compounding process and have resulted in patients' deaths. |
Routinely practice calculations and participate in continuing education. Also, ensure that the person checking the calculations does so without looking at the other person's work because doing so tends to influence the checker and the same mistake can be made. Checking must be done totally separately and then the answers compared and checked. A good practice is to use exact equivalents during the calculation process and round off at the end. |
Loyd V. Allen, Jr., PhD, RPh
Editor-in-Chief
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding
Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy Twenty-second edition
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