The Pattern of Abbreviation Use in Prescriptions: A Way Forward in Eliminating Error-Prone Abbreviations and Standardisation of Prescriptions

• DOI: 10.2174/1574886308666131223123721
• Publication Date: 2014-02-25T15:46:45Z
• Authors: N.R. Samaranayake; P.R.L. Dabare; C.A. Wanigatunge; B.M.Y. Cheung
• Keywords: Medication error

Introduction and Objectives: Inappropriate abbreviations used in prescriptions have led to medication errors. We investigated the use of error-prone other unapproved prescriptions, assessed attitudes pharmacists on this issue. Methods: A reference list was developed. Prescriptions outpatients specialty clinic patients a teaching hospital Sri Lanka were reviewed during one month. An interviewer administered questionnaire assess pharmacists. Results: 3370 drug items (989 prescriptions) reviewed. The mean (standard deviation) number per prescription 5.9 (3.5). were, μg (microgram), mcg u (units), cc (cubic centimeter), OD (once day), @ sign, d (days/daily), m (morning) n (night), among all reviewed, they at rate 17.4%, 0.1%, 1.9%, 0.2%, 4.9%, 23.5%, 4.4% 15.8% respectively. Among 103 types observed, 71 not standard acceptable abbreviations. Multiple indicate single item/ instruction (N = 7). abbreviation ‘d’ denote ‘daily’ as well ‘days’. All believed that using will always (5.3%) or sometimes (94.7%) lead Conclusions: Error-prone many are frequently hospitals. There is need educating health care professionals issue introduce an in-house for their guidance. Keywords: 'Do Not Use' list, abbreviations, errors, Lanka,