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Check my Check
By Adam Pattison Rathbone
8 Jul 2010
I recently started my 'Accuracy Checking Log' to gain evidence and experience in final checking prescriptions. This is a process not strictly followed in community, or even in some other hospitals.
The process allows 'soon to be' or newly qualified pharmacists (NQPs) to get some 'practice' before they are responsible for the supply of medicines. It gives them an opportunity to develop their own systems and methods to checking, as well as allowing them the luxury of getting into a routine.
Comparatively, if one compares this to a newly qualified community pharmacist, it is often apparent that most NQPs will be nervous, apprehensive and occassionaly unconfident whilst doing the final check.
From my personal experience in community pharmacy, this is over come by allowing a pre-reg, after many dispensing sessions, to perform the final accuracy check after the pharmacist has clinically checked and dispensed the items. Legally if a pharmacist dispenses something it does not need to be accuracy checked before being handed to the patient(please correct me if I am wrong!); good practice however (and most SOP's) dictate that where and when possible pharmacists should have their worked second checked; in some instances this could be by a dispenser, technicians, pre-reg or nurse.
The most difficult thing I have found whilst compiling my checking log is the co-operation of staff who are 'Checking my check'. Reminding them to sign my log, differences of opinion in wording and grammar and the occasional extra label that had been missed.
Compared to most NQPs, I think I am rather looking forward to doing my first final final check. There will be less paperwork.
Accuracy check on an item dispensed by a pharmacist
Hi Adam,
Interesting blog. From experience, it can often be very difficult for community pharmacists to have a "second check" on items they have dispensed because:
a) Sometimes the only person in the dispensary is the pharmacist (especially in weekends, smaller pharmacies or on bank holidays)
b) The "rushing" culture in community pharmacy means sometimes it may not be possible to ask for a second check when everyone is busy beavering away
c) Some dispensary staff (from experience) are reluctant to perform an accuracy check for various reasons
I do believe that inexperienced and newly registered pharmacists should be able to ask for an accuracy check on items they have dispensed until they have more confidence.
Certainly, it is good practice to do this with certain medicines such as Controlled Drugs (eg, methadone).
Benedict Lam
Editor - Tomorrow's Pharmacist
Accuracy check
Accuracy check
Hi
We also have a validation scheme in our hospital pharmacy dept & some community pharmacies have also taken it on board after I presented at conference. I totally agree with your comments though; it has taken me a while to get all the staff in a positive frame of mind to a) go through the scheme (& re-validation) b) take the time to check other people's work & give them positive feedback.
However - I can say that on the whole it is a positive experience for new staff to ensure they are competent. Also as a reminder for existing staff on the importance of things such as self-check & following standard procedures etc. It also helps with our training in that you can quickly see where there are training needs in the dept. if the same issues arise through the validation process. It also gives our junior pharmacists an insite into training/mentoring when they are involved in validating other staff.