How to Avoid Medical Errors When Filling Prescriptions

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 753 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 3

Page 1 of 3

Ethics and Legalities of Medication Error Disclosure

As Philipsen and Soeken (2011) note, it is the nurse's duty and ethical responsibility to inform the patient of any medical error in treatment, even if the error is "insignificant." The patient still has a right to know, as do all individuals who are impacted by the error (staff as well). This allows the medical community to remain transparent, which is a foundation of trust in the staff-patient relationship. Thus, the ethical implications of disclosure and non-disclosure are clear: to not disclose a medical error is to act unethically and without the transparency and loyalty that is owed the patient as well as the members of the staff. The legal implications of disclosure vs. non-disclosure are also clear. The severity of the error is what is most likely to affect the outcome if the error becomes known and there was no disclosure made initially. However, it is also the case that legal action is less likely to be pursued if disclosure is immediate and the severity of the error is not significant (Edwin, 2010). Indeed, Kentucky law states that each case shall be evaluated on a case by case basis, implying that there is some gray area regarding what will be tolerated in terms of disclosure policy, as individual hospitals set disclosure policy (Kentucky Revised Statutes, n.d.).

Stuck Writing Your "How to Avoid Medical Errors When Filling Prescriptions" ?

View All Our Example How to Avoid Medical Errors When Filling Prescriptions

Have A Custom Example Essay Written



As the advanced practice nurse in this scenario, I would disclose the error to both patient and staff so that everyone impacted by the error would be on the same page. It is important for staff to be as clear about what is going on with a patient as it is for the patient to be clear about what the staff is doing for them. The error should be explained and the fact that it will have no significant effect on the patient is also important to explain so that the patient is not worried. Owning up to mistakes is part of life and avoiding doing so only complicates matters when admitting them can easily bring them to the fore where they can be resolved.

The process of writing prescriptions, including strategies to minimize medication errors is clearly outlined by The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), which focuses on "10 key elements" that can prevent medication errors (Anderson, 2010). First off, the process of writing a prescription "is a complex multistep process that….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"How To Avoid Medical Errors When Filling Prescriptions" (2015, September 11) Retrieved May 5, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/avoid-medical-errors-filling-prescriptions-2155903

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"How To Avoid Medical Errors When Filling Prescriptions" 11 September 2015. Web.5 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/avoid-medical-errors-filling-prescriptions-2155903>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"How To Avoid Medical Errors When Filling Prescriptions", 11 September 2015, Accessed.5 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/avoid-medical-errors-filling-prescriptions-2155903
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example