Abstract
Unit Dose Packaging and Repackaging of Solid and Liquid Dosage Forms in an Institutional Setting
Author(s): McElhiney Linda F
Issue: Jan/Feb 2010 - Pediatrics and Wellness
Page(s): 32-38
Abstract
Although repackaging drugs into unit-dose packages can be time consuming and labor intensive, it can significantly reduce medication errors and improve patient safety in health systems. Pharmacists can play a vital role in choosing appropriate repackaging equipment and labeling programs that are compatible with the health system’s Bar-Code-Enabled Medication Administration system. They can develop policies and procedures for repackaging drugs and ensuring that all medications have scannable barcodes or identifiers. Pharmacists can also develop a quality-assurance program to ensure that the Bar-Code-Enabled Medication Administration system is effective and that the unit-dose packaging operations meet United States Pharmacopeial Convention standards and other professional guidelines.
Related Keywords
- hospital pharmacy
- medication errors
- patient safety
- bar code-enabled medication administration
- children
- adverse events
- unit-dose packaging
- repackaging
- United States Pharmacopeia
- USP standards
- labeling
- oral liquid preparations
- barcoding
- barcodes
- software vendors
Related Categories
- PACKAGING
- QUALITY CONTROL
- UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA CONVENTIONS
- ADVERSE DRUG EVENTS
- HOSPITAL PHARMACY
- PREVENTIVE MEDICINE/WELLNESS