Medication Management and pharmacist first-dose review

Patients expect that every safeguard is in place when receiving healthcare services. The challenge is how to make this happen with the complexities of the system in which healthcare is delivered, as safe medication practices lie within the purview of multiple individuals. A 2006 study by the Institute of Medicine found that approximately one medication error occurs per day, totaling 1.5 million per year, and noted that miscommunication between physicians, pharmacists, and nurses is a common cause. The requirements of CMS and The Joint Commission address the critical processes of a safe and effective medication management system, and both have been proponents of utilizing pharmacists’ expertise and involvement in the ordering of medications.

This is an excerpt from members-only content. Please log in or become a member to access the full content.