An Audit to Improve Prescription Writing on Inpatient Medication Cards

Abstract

Background

The most common intervention performed by physicians is the writing of a prescription. All elements in the complex process of prescribing and administering drugs are susceptible to error.

Aims

To measure the extent to which information recorded on prescription cards conforms to basic standards of prescription writing.

To improve prescribing, recording and staff knowledge.

To identify common prescribing errors and focus on the same to improve our standard of practice.

Methods

An audit tool was designed to collect data and standard was set 100%.

Results

In the initial audit, there was significant deficiency in prescription writing, which was presented at the internal teaching to all doctors and recommendations were made. This audit was repeated after a month, which showed improvement in prescription writing and recording.

Recommendations

Write all drugs in CAPITALS ensuring correct spelling, dose, route of administration and frequency.

Complete all fields on front of the prescription card legibly.

Document any change in prescription card in clinical notes.

All doctors to go through their current clients medication cards and ensure any gaps filled and errors corrected.

Audit report will be kept in audit folder as a reference for any rotating doctor to repeat the audit every six months in the services.

Conclusion

Doctors should continue to improve prescription writing and reduce any adverse events or errors.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.