Can you discuss a challenging medication error you encountered in your role as a hospital pharmacist and how you effectively resolved it to ensure patient safety?

As a hospital pharmacist, I once faced a challenging medication error where the wrong dosage of a high-risk medication was prescribed to a patient. The focus keyword for this scenario is "medication error."

Identifying the Error: Upon diligently reviewing the prescription and the patient's medical history, I realized that there was a discrepancy in the prescribed and appropriate dosage of the medication.

Resolving the Issue: To address this critical situation and ensure patient safety, I immediately notified the prescribing physician about the error and discussed the correct dosage based on the patient's condition. I also communicated with the nursing staff to halt the administration of the incorrect dosage until the issue was resolved.

Preventive Measures: After resolving the immediate issue, I conducted a thorough review of the hospital's medication dispensing processes to identify any potential weaknesses that might have contributed to the error. I also implemented additional double-check protocols to prevent similar errors in the future, such as utilizing barcode scanning systems and involving multiple healthcare professionals in the medication verification process.

Overall, by promptly addressing the medication error, collaborating with the healthcare team, and implementing preventive measures, I was able to rectify the situation and safeguard patient safety.