Medication errors can happen at any stage of the dispensing process—whether during prescribing, transcribing, filling, or counseling. While they’re sometimes unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce risk and protect both your patients and your pharmacy.
Medication-related harm affects 1 out of every 30 patients in healthcare, with more than a quarter of this harm regarded as severe or life-threatening, according to the World Health Organization.
Here are 10 strategies to help minimize medication errors:
1. Avoid multitasking
Trying to juggle phone calls, drop-offs, and prescription filling at the same time may feel “efficient,” but it increases the risk of mistakes. Assign clear roles to team members so each person can focus on their responsibilities without distraction. Implementing tools like an IVR (interactive voice response) system can also help reduce interruptions by handling routine calls and refills, freeing staff to focus on accurate dispensing.
2. Reduce workplace stress
Pharmacy is a high-pressure environment, and stress can lead to errors. Look for ways to create a calmer, more manageable workflow—whether by hiring additional staff, bringing in pharmacy interns, or simply ensuring your team gets breaks. Even small changes, like providing a coffee or snack station, can improve morale and focus.
3. Organize storage systems
Look-alike and sound-alike medications are a common source of mix-ups. Store them separately or use visual alerts such as tall-man lettering, shelf dividers, or color-coded bins. Keep labels clearly visible and arrange medications systematically.
4. Verify orders
Miscommunication over the phone is a frequent cause of prescription errors. Always repeat orders back to the prescriber and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if something isn’t clear. Accuracy is more important than speed.
5. Trust your instincts
If a prescription doesn’t seem right—whether due to dose, indication, or drug choice—pause and investigate. Call the prescriber, confirm with the patient, and document the clarification. Protecting your license and your patients is worth the extra time.
6. Eliminate clutter and improve organization
A tidy work environment supports accuracy and efficiency. Return medications to shelves promptly, separate each patient’s prescriptions, and avoid leaving food or drinks near medications. Consider using a digital task manager to track responsibilities, organize workflow, and ensure important steps don’t get overlooked. A clean and organized workspace makes it easier for staff to focus and reduces the chance of mix-ups.
7. Engage patients in counseling
A short conversation at pickup can prevent major errors. Confirm who the medication is for, ask if they have questions, and explain how and when to take it. Patient counseling not only improves safety but also builds trust and adherence.
8. Check patient age and weight
Always verify that doses are appropriate for the patient’s age and weight—especially for pediatric and geriatric patients, who are more sensitive to medications. When in doubt, recalculate the dose before dispensing.
9. Account for liver and kidney function
Impaired liver or kidney function can lead to drug toxicity if doses aren’t adjusted. Review patient records and make necessary modifications to prevent harm.
10. Document and confirm allergies
Allergies should always be clearly documented in the pharmacy system and verified with the patient. Dispensing a drug that a patient is allergic to is one of the most preventable errors. Always ask about allergies before filling or releasing a prescription.
Final thoughts
By creating a culture of safety, organization, and patient engagement, you can significantly reduce medication errors and protect both your patients and your pharmacy team. Even small changes—like improved storage, consistent verification, and better communication—can make a big difference in daily operations.
Ready to reduce interruptions and improve your team’s focus?
Learn more about our Patient Relationship Management Platform & Lumistry IVR —designed to streamline patient communications and help pharmacists focus on critical tasks.
