Medication errors verbal orders

Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) Studies have shown that CPOE is effective in reducing medication errors. It involves entering medication orders directly into a computer system rather than on paper or verbally. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices conducted a survey of... 

Greater use of facsimile machines among hospital areas, medical offices, pharmacies, and nursing units will help. When verbal communication is unavoidable, strict adherence to these procedures for verbal orders can minimize errors ... 

Verbal orders are oral communications between senders and receivers in person or by telephone or other similar devices. The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevenhon (NCC MERP) developed recommendations to reduce errors related to verbal orders. Table 16.4 notes the elements that should be included in a verbal order. Table 16.5 outlines NCC MERP s additional recommendations. ... 

Source From NCC MERP council recommendations to reduce medication errors associated with verbal medication orders and prescriptions, adopted February 20, 2001. 

Gordon, B.M. Making the Formulary Safe General Strategies for Reducing Risks. ASHP Medication Use Safety Learning Community, Baltimore, June 2002. NCC MERP council recommendations to reduce medication errors associated with verbal medication orders and prescriptions, adopted February 20, 2001. Available at www.nccmerp.org/council2001-02-20.html, accessed January 9, 2004. 

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