Page 260 - Registrar Orientation Manual 2016

Commonly reported problems from community pharmacy incident forms (an optional error reporting process)
1
Missing originals of prescriptions that were faxed
If a prescription is faxed to the patient’s community pharmacy please post the original prescription to that pharmacy at the same time.
New Zealand legislation is very clear that it is the PRESCRIBER’s responsibility for ensuring that community pharmacists receive the original copy of a prescription. Controlled drug prescriptions need to be posted to the pharmacist within 2 working days.
2.
Special Authority numbers missing
Without a Special Authority number, patients will be unable to access funding for the medication, which may lead to delay in initiating treatment, dose interruption or medication discontinuation.
Often GPs are asked to step in to sort out the problem. However, GPs may not feel comfortable applying for Special Authority number for medications that were not initiated by them.
Remember:
◦ If you are starting a new medicine which requires a Special Authority number
make the application on-line before the patient is discharged.
◦ If the patient came to the hospital with medications that require Special Authority, please ensure that the number is still valid before discharge. Apply
for ‘renewal’, instead of ‘initiation’, if the number has expired.
3. Wrong patient sticker
For hand-written prescription, please ensure that the correct patient sticker is used for the prescription. During busy periods (e.g. multiple discharges happening at the same time), patient stickers may get mixed up. The potential risk from this is that a patient may end up with prescription for another patient.
4. Missing identification and contact details (for hand-written prescription)
Missing or unreadable identification is one of the common incidents reported. Remember:
◦ Clearly identify yourself- include your full printed name and registration number
◦ Write your pager or contact number to ensure you can be contacted if needed
5. Missing signature and date
Please remember to sign and date your prescription. These are legal requirements for a prescription, and an indication that the prescription is genuine and current.