What should a pharmacy technician do if they encounter a medication error?

In the event of a medication error, it is crucial for the pharmacy technician to immediately notify the supervising pharmacist and document the error. This practice ensures that the situation is addressed promptly to minimize potential harm to the patient and allows for the appropriate corrective measures to be taken. By notifying the pharmacist, the technician facilitates an assessment of the error’s impact and enables the pharmacy to implement any necessary actions, such as notifying the patient or adjusting inventory records.

Documentation is also essential as it creates a record of the incident, which can be important for both legal reasons and for improving future pharmacy practices. This action contributes to the overall safety culture of the pharmacy, emphasizing accountability and transparency in handling medication errors.

Taking proactive steps in response to an error, rather than ignoring it or waiting until the end of a shift to discuss it, enhances patient safety and promotes a responsible approach to medication management.