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
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Page(s): 32-38
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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