Pharmacists Demand IT Fixes After Prescription Errors Audit

Pharmacists in the Bay of Plenty and Manawatū regions are facing significant challenges due to prescription errors, as revealed by an extensive audit conducted in September 2023. The audit, which involved 68 community pharmacies—including those in Kawerau and Ōpōtiki—was led by the Midland Community Pharmacy Group in collaboration with the Bay of Plenty Community Pharmacy Group.

During the week-long audit, pharmacists identified a total of 1,257 issues in prescriptions issued by general practitioners, specialists, midwives, dentists, and other healthcare providers. The findings highlight a pressing need for improvements in the electronic systems that support prescription management.

Key Findings from the Audit

The audit revealed that incorrect dosages were the most prevalent issue among the logged problems. In addition to dosage errors, pharmacists reported incorrect quantities, missing details, and medications that were deemed inappropriate for certain patients. These errors not only impact patient safety but also consume valuable time for pharmacists, who must rectify these issues before prescriptions can be filled.

Amit Kumar, a pharmacist based in Whakatāne, expressed concern over the frequency of these errors. He noted that the time spent correcting these problems detracts from the ability to provide optimal patient care. Kumar and his colleagues are advocating for urgent upgrades to the IT systems used in pharmacies to help mitigate these challenges.

The audit’s results have prompted calls for immediate action by health authorities to address the underlying causes of prescription errors. According to the pharmacists involved, enhancing the reliability of IT systems could lead to a significant reduction in these issues, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Impact on Healthcare Delivery

The implications of these findings extend beyond the pharmacy sector; they highlight potential risks in patient care across the entire healthcare system. Pharmacists play a crucial role in medication management, and errors in prescriptions can lead to serious health consequences for patients.

By identifying and addressing these errors through improved technology, the healthcare community can enhance safety and efficiency in prescription practices. Health NZ’s support for the pharmacists’ calls for IT improvements signifies a commitment to addressing these critical issues.

As the audit results continue to resonate within the healthcare sector, the focus now shifts to the necessary steps that can be taken to ensure that both pharmacists and patients benefit from a more reliable prescription process.