6 Essential Steps for Safe Medication Dispensing from Automated Systems

When removing med from automated dispenser:

compare the med label to the MAR, check expiration date on med label, and document medication immediately after administering it

When removing medication from an automated dispenser, it’s important to take the following steps:

1. Identify the correct medication: Double-check the name and dosage of the medication being dispensed to make sure it’s the right one for the patient. Also, check the expiration date on the medication.

2. Wash your hands: Before handling the medication, ensure you have clean hands by washing them thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.

3. Follow the dispenser’s instructions: Each automated dispenser may have its own set of instructions for accessing and removing medications, so make sure to follow the specific instructions for that device.

4. Check the label: Make sure the medication vial or packaging has the correct label for the patient. If the label is missing, damaged, or illegible, notify the pharmacy immediately.

5. Verify the dose: Check that the amount of medication being dispensed matches the patient’s prescribed dose. If there are any discrepancies, contact the pharmacy to clarify the correct dose.

6. Document: Record the medication removal in the patient’s medical record, noting the medication name, dose, and time it was removed.

By following these steps, healthcare providers can ensure that they are administering the correct medication and dose to their patients.

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