What should be done if a medication error is discovered?

When a medication error is discovered, the appropriate action is to document the error and notify the pharmacist immediately. This response is critical for several reasons.

First, documenting the error provides a clear record of what happened, which is essential for evaluating the incident and ensuring it does not happen again in the future. Documentation can include details such as the type of medication involved, the nature of the error, and any patient interactions that took place.

Second, notifying the pharmacist as soon as possible is crucial because they are responsible for patient safety and medication management. The pharmacist can assess the situation, determine the necessary steps to address any immediate health implications for the patient, and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.

Taking these steps also aligns with legal and ethical responsibilities in pharmacy practice, where transparency and accountability are vital. Patient safety must always be the priority, and timely reporting of medication errors is a key part of safeguarding patient health.