What must a pharmacist do if they suspect a medication error has occurred?

When a pharmacist suspects a medication error has occurred, notifying the patient and the appropriate authorities is crucial for ensuring patient safety and maintaining professional standards. Immediate communication about the potential error can help mitigate any harm to the patient and allows for quick corrective action to be taken.

Patients have the right to be informed about errors that may affect their health so that they can seek appropriate medical attention or decisions regarding their care. Additionally, informing the appropriate authorities, which can include notifying the pharmacy management, regulatory bodies, or incident reporting systems, is essential for ensuring accountability and preventing future errors. This can help improve system processes and safeguards that protect patients.

Addressing a suspected medication error promptly aligns with ethical responsibilities and helps to foster a culture of safety within the pharmacy practice. This proactive approach supports transparency and fosters trust between pharmacists and the patients they serve.