Newswise — October 24-31 is Prescription Errors Education and Awareness Week. Billions of prescriptions are filled in the United States every year. More than 100,000 Americans take their prescription medications incorrectly, which can lead to hospitalization or even death.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) aims to eliminate medication errors with Bar Code Medication Administration, a system that greatly reduces inaccurate inpatient medication administration and improves patient safety. VA makes use of bar code technology (by placing bar codes on all medications and scanning patients' wrists as well as the medicines) to ensure that the right medication is given in the right amount to the right patient at the right time. In 2002, VA's Bar Code Medication Administration system received the American Pharmaceutical Association Foundation's top award for improving health care quality and patient safety. The Bar Code Medication Administration also provides online medication records for the computerized patient record system, which allowed VA to have access to patient history following Hurricane Katrina. VA's innovative use of technology keeps medication errors low in daily operations as well as emergency situations.
You can play a role in reducing prescription errors by following these tips:"¢ Pharmaceutical companies have increased drug advertising and are targeting consumers. Do not pressure your doctor to prescribe drugs seen in commercials. Allow your doctors to make prescriptions based on their professional opinions instead of on what you see in advertisements. "¢ Make sure your doctor knows what allergies or adverse reactions you have had to past medicines. Keep a journal of all the medicines you take as well as the side effects you experience to help you remember your reactions."¢ Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. This includes prescription, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs. It may be dangerous to mix certain prescription drugs with certain herbals and over-the-counter medications."¢ Ask lots of questions. Make sure you completely understand what is being prescribed to you and what the medication is supposed to do for you. If you do not understand, ask your nurse, doctor, and pharmacist. There is no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to your health.
It's your health. Be informed. For more information on avoiding prescription errors or on VA's Bar Code Medication Administration system, please contact your local VA medical center.
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