Medication stewardship programs are important efforts by all frontline healthcare workers and are becoming more common in dental practices, as well. In dental practices, dentists should exercise particular caution when prescribing antibiotics and opioids.
The teach-back method can help physicians ensure that patients have a clear understanding of post-visit instructions.
Characterizing prescription errors as “relatively common but preventable,” The Pharmaceutical Journal has published recommendations for preventing the mistakes, which can represent threats to patient safety.
A recent report, published in the Journal of Toxicology, found that people in the United States are making errors in dosing medications at home. Healthcare providers should be cognizant of the need for patient and caregiver education in the proper administration of both prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
